Chapter II · Merlin the Wizard

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

later than; following

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

(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 Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

Emperor of Rome; nephew and son-in-law and adoptive son of Antonius Pius; Stoic philosopher; the decline of the Roman Empire began under Marcus Aurelius (121-180)

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery.

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

a monarchy in northwestern Europe occupying most of the British Isles; divided into England and Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland; “Great Britain” is often used loosely to refer to the United Kingdom

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

plural of “chief” — a person who is in charge

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

the time of person's life when they are a child

From this reading Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

surround with a cloister, as of a garden

From this reading Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

first in order of birth

From this reading Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery.

plural of “emperor” — the male ruler of an empire

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

steadfast in affection or allegiance

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery.

brought together in one place

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

a state of high honor

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

ten 10s

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)

From this reading Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

plural of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

of less size or importance

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

a feeling of pleasure and enjoyment

From this reading Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery.

steadfast in allegiance or duty

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

the residence of a religious community

From this reading Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery.

a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

plural of “noble” — a titled peer of the realm

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

held or filled or in use

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

on one occasion

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

and nothing more

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

the supreme war chief of the ancient Britons

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

past form of “reign” — have sovereign power

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

cause to become

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

Identical; not different.

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

a male human offspring

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading He had three sons.

sorrowful through loss or deprivation

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

a person who follows next in order

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

power to dominate or defeat

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

in or at that place or location

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading He had three sons.

the chair of state for a monarch, bishop, etc.

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

at the time that

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

which person or people

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.

belonging to which person

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading Wise in peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he himself at once perceived death to be at hand.

a late time of life

From this reading SOME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans.

but in spite of that

From this reading As, however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and faithful service as they had given to himself.