used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
beltnounUS /belt/
endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
bestrodeverbUS /bɪˈstroʊd/
inflected form of “bestride” — get up on the back of
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
boughsnounUS /baʊz/
plural of “bough” — any of the larger branches of a tree
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
boundingverbUS /ˈbaʊndɪŋ/
-ing form of “bound” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
braceverbUS /breɪs/
prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
put or send forth
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
croppingverbUS /ˈkrɑːpɪŋ/
inflected form of “crop” — cut short
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
distinguished from Bovidae by the male's having solid deciduous antlers
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
(plural) the deepest and most remote part
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
dewyadjectiveUS /ˈduːi/
wet with dew
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
dimensionsnounUS /dɪˈmenʃənz/
plural of “dimension” — the magnitude of something in a particular direction (especially length or width or height)
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
more distant in especially space or time
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
formidable-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
greenswardnoun
surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
holsters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
horsebacknounUS /ˈhɔːrsbæk/
the back of a horse
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
the month following May and preceding July
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
and nothing more
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
light-footedadjective
(of movement) having a light and springy step
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
palfreynounUS /ˈpælfri/
especially a light saddle horse for a woman
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
pistolsnounUS /ˈpɪstəlz/
plural of “pistol” — a firearm that is held and fired with one hand
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
proceedingnounUS /prəˈsiːdɪŋ/
(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
small or little relative to something else
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
steednounUS /stiːd/
(literary) a spirited horse for state of war
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
caught or fixed
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
in the direction of
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The sun, just rising, cast his rays amid the boughs of the trees, throwing long shadows over the greensward.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading At an early hour of the day, towards the end of June, two persons on horseback might have been seen proceeding through the New Forest.
the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Here and there light-footed deer, cropping the dewy grass, started as they heard the footsteps of the horses, and went bounding away farther into the depths of the forest.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading A brace of formidable-looking pistols were stuck in his holsters, while another pair of smaller dimensions were placed in the belt he wore round his waist.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading One of the persons was a young lady mounted on a light, active palfrey; while the other, a tall old man, bestrode a large, strong steed, well capable of bearing his weight.
