used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
(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 It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
ancestorsnounUS /ˈænsestərz/
plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
AssaultnounUS /əˈsɔːlt/
close fighting during the culmination of a military attack
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
battlementsnounUS /ˈbætəlmənts/
plural of “battlement” — a rampart built around the top of a castle with regular gaps for firing arrows or guns
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
Carazo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
ChristiansnounUS /ˈkrɪstʃənz/
plural of “christian” — a religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
a steep high face of rock
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
commandingadjectiveUS /kəˈmændɪŋ/
used of a height or viewpoint
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
contendingverbUS /kənˈtendɪŋ/
-ing form of “contend” — maintain or assert
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
determine the number or amount of
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
craggedadjective
having hills and crags
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
domainnounUS /doʊˈmeɪn/
a particular environment or walk of life
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
dominionnounUS /dəˈmɪnjən/
dominance or power through legal authority
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
eagle'snounUS /ˈiːɡəlz/
possessive form of “eagle” — any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
Fernan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
fortressnounUS /ˈfɔːrtrəs/
a fortified defensive structure
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
GarrisonnounUS /ˈɡærɪsən/
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
Gonzalez
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
heightsnounUS /haɪts/
a high place
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
hill-top
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
incessantlyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈsesəntli/
with unflagging resolve
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
Lara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
leaguesnounUS /liːɡz/
plural of “league” — an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
MoorishnounUS /ˈmʊrɪʃ/
a style of architecture common in Spain from the 13th to 16th centuries; characterized by horseshoe-shaped arches
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
MoorsnounUS /mʊrz/
plural of “moor” — one of the Muslim people of north Africa; of mixed Arab and Berber descent; converted to Islam in the 8th century; conqueror of Spain in the 8th century
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
perchedverbUS /pɜːrtʃt/
past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
presidionounUS /prɪˈsɪdioʊ/
a fortress established in the southwestern United States by the Spanish in order to protect their missions and other holdings
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
recollectedverbUS /ˌrekəˈlektɪd/
past form of “recollect” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
regainedverbUS /riˈɡeɪnd/
past form of “regain” — get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
renderverbUS /ˈrendər/
cause to become
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
rivalverbUS /ˈraɪvəl/
be equal to in quality or ability
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
only a very short time before
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
SpainnounUS /speɪn/
a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
steepnessnounUS /ˈstiːpnəs/
the property possessed by a slope that is very steep
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
summitnounUS /ˈsʌmət/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
in or at that place or location
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
towersnounUS /ˈtaʊərz/
plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
valleysnounUS /ˈvæliz/
plural of “valley” — a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading It was perched like an eagle’s nest on the summit of a mountain, and the cragged steepness of its position, and its high and thick walls seemed to render it proof against all assault.
warlikeadjectiveUS /ˈwɔːrlaɪk/
disposed to warfare or hard-line policies
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Moors and Christians regarded each other from rival towers and battlements perched on opposite heights, and were incessantly contending for the dominion of the valleys.
which person or people
From this reading A Night Assault upon the Castle of Carazo.—The Moorish Maiden who betrayed the Garrison.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In those warlike times of Spain every one lived with sword in hand; there was scarcely a commanding cliff or hill-top but had its castle.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading We have seen that Count Fernan Gonzalez had regained possession of the ancient town and fortress of Lara, the domain of his ancestors; but it will be recollected that within two leagues’ distance stood the Moorish presidio of Carazo.
