used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
AboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
AboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
ballsnounUS /bɔːlz/
plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
earlier than; in front of
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
Behoves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
bondsnounUS /bɑːndz/
plural of “bond” — an electrical force linking atoms
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
burdensnounUS /ˈbɜːrdənz/
plural of “burden” — an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading Now there was drawn a curtain nigh the mouth Of that deep cave, to testify of wrath.
cavernnounUS /ˈkæv.ərn/
A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
cavern's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
CoiledadjectiveUS /kɔɪld/
curled or wound (especially in concentric rings or spirals)
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading Now there was drawn a curtain nigh the mouth Of that deep cave, to testify of wrath.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Now there was drawn a curtain nigh the mouth Of that deep cave, to testify of wrath.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
demonsnounUS /ˈdiːmənz/
plural of “demon” — an evil supernatural being
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
Didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
disobediencenounUS /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiəns/
the failure to obey
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
disportverb
occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
dragonnounUS /ˈdræɡən/
a creature of Teutonic mythology; usually represented as breathing fire and having a reptilian body and sometimes wings
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading Now there was drawn a curtain nigh the mouth Of that deep cave, to testify of wrath.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
dweltverbUS /dwelt/
inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
move gently or carefully
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
a person who is older than you are
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
favorableadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪvərəbəl/
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
fetteredadjectiveUS /ˈfetərd/
bound by chains fastened around the ankles
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
start firing a weapon
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
brought together in one place
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
gleamedverbUS /ɡliːmd/
past form of “gleam” — be shiny, as if wet
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
glowingadjectiveUS /ˈɡloʊɪŋ/
highly enthusiastic
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
not accessible to view
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
InvisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
for more time
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
not compact or dense in structure or arrangement
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
held dear
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
Master-builder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
MethuselahnounUS /məˈθjuːzələ/
(Old Testament) a patriarch (grandfather of Noah) who is said to have lived 969 years
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
nighadjectiveUS /naɪ/
not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
From this reading Now there was drawn a curtain nigh the mouth Of that deep cave, to testify of wrath.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
not any; not one
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
PacingnounUS /ˈpeɪsɪŋ/
(music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
painfullyadverbUS /ˈpeɪnfəli/
unpleasantly
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
go across or through
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
prophesiedverbUS /ˈprɑːfəsaɪd/
inflected form of “prophesy” — predict or reveal through, or as if through, divine inspiration
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
precisely, exactly
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
rockedverbUS /rɑːkt/
past form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
rulernounUS /ˈruːlər/
a person who rules or commands
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
cut with a saw
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
slippingadjectiveUS /ˈslɪpɪŋ/
moving as on a slippery surface
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
spake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
swardnounUS /swɔːrd/
surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
testifyverbUS /ˈtestəfaɪ/
give testimony in a court of law
From this reading Now there was drawn a curtain nigh the mouth Of that deep cave, to testify of wrath.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
therefromadverb
from that circumstance or source
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Now there was drawn a curtain nigh the mouth Of that deep cave, to testify of wrath.
look attentively
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
at the time that
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
in or at the place that
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading And thus it came to pass, That while at dead of night the old dragon lay Coiled in the cavern where he dwelt, the watch Pacing before it saw in middle air A boat, that gleamed like fire, and on it came, And rocked as it drew near, and then it burst And went to pieces, and there fell therefrom, Close at the cavern's mouth, two glowing balls.
willedverbUS /wɪld/
past form of “will” — decree or ordain
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
in the company of; together with
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
the words that are spoken
From this reading Above the head of great Methuselah There lay two demons in the opened roof Invisible, and gathered up his words; For when the Elder prophesied, it came About, that hidden things were shown to them, And burdens that he spake against his time.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
intense anger (usually on an epic scale)
From this reading Now there was drawn a curtain nigh the mouth Of that deep cave, to testify of wrath.
shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)
From this reading Now these were fettered that they could not fly, For a certain disobedience they had wrought Against the ruler of their host; but not The less they loved their cause; and when the feet O' the Master-builder were no longer heard, They, slipping to the sward, right painfully Did follow, for the one to the other said, "Behoves our master know of this; and us, Should he be favorable, he may loose From these our bonds."
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading (But never heard them, such as dwelt with him; Their ears they stopped, and willed to live at ease In all delight; and perfect in their youth, And strong, disport them in the perfect world.)
