used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading “Selden’s apology for the law against witches in his time shows a lurking belief,” remarked Herbert.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
(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 “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
a quantity of money
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
Anglo-Saxonnoun
a native or inhabitant of England prior to the Norman Conquest
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
antecedentnounUS /ˌænˈtesədənt/
someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
apologynounUS /əˈpɑːlədʒiː/
an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone
From this reading “Selden’s apology for the law against witches in his time shows a lurking belief,” remarked Herbert.
Armorers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
awardingnounUS /əˈwɔːrdɪŋ/
a grant made by a law court
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
beingsnounUS /ˈbiːɪŋz/
plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
any cognitive content held as true
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
broomsticksnounUS /ˈbruːmstɪks/
plural of “broomstick” — the handle of a broom
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
CELESTINUS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
ChatverbUS /tʃæt/
talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
CONRADnounUS /ˈkɑːnræd/
English novelist (born in Poland) noted for sea stories and for his narrative technique (1857-1924)
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
deem to be
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
COUNT'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
causing or capable of causing death
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
ElfinadjectiveUS /ˈelfɪn/
suggestive of an elf in strangeness and otherworldliness
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
the male ruler of an empire
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
Enigmas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
the state or fact of existing
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
to certain extent or degree
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
fictionsnounUS /ˈfɪkʃənz/
plural of “fiction” — a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “Selden’s apology for the law against witches in his time shows a lurking belief,” remarked Herbert.
foundedverbUS /ˈfaʊndɪd/
past form of “found” — set up or found
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
assemble or get together
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
any creature of exceptional size
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
HairsnounUS /herz/
plural of “hair” — a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
HerbertnounUS /ˈhɜːrbərt/
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
herbsnounUS /ɜːrbz/
plural of “herb” — a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “Selden’s apology for the law against witches in his time shows a lurking belief,” remarked Herbert.
honorsnounUS /ˈɑːnərz/
plural of “honor” — a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
improbabilitynoun
the quality of being improbable
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
Lathom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading “Selden’s apology for the law against witches in his time shows a lurking belief,” remarked Herbert.
LegendnounUS /ˈledʒənd/
a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
lurkingverbUS /ˈlɜːrkɪŋ/
-ing form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
From this reading “Selden’s apology for the law against witches in his time shows a lurking belief,” remarked Herbert.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
any art that invokes supernatural powers
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
magiciansnounUS /məˈdʒɪʃənz/
plural of “magician” — someone who performs magic tricks to amuse an audience
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
MILLER'SnounUS /ˈmɪlərz/
possessive form of “miller” — United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
the light of the Moon
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
subject to death
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
MysticaladjectiveUS /ˈmɪstɪkəl/
relating to or characteristic of mysticism
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
obtainingverbUS /əbˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
by chance
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
an amount of time
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
possession of controlling influence
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading “Selden’s apology for the law against witches in his time shows a lurking belief,” remarked Herbert.
richesnounUS /ˈrɪtʃəz/
an abundance of material possessions and resources
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
SatannounUS /ˈseɪtən/
(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
ScandinavianadjectiveUS /ˌskændɪˈneɪviən/
of or relating to Scandinavia or its peoples or cultures
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
Selden's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Selden’s apology for the law against witches in his time shows a lurking belief,” remarked Herbert.
SEMIRAMIS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
From this reading “Selden’s apology for the law against witches in his time shows a lurking belief,” remarked Herbert.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
a male human offspring
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
sorcerersnounUS /ˈsɔːrsərərz/
plural of “sorcerer” — one who practices magic or sorcery
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
sorcerynounUS /ˈsɔːrsəri/
the belief in magical spells that harness occult forces or evil spirits to produce unnatural effects in the world
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
superhumanadjectiveUS /ˌsuːpərˈhjuːmən/
above or beyond the human or demanding more than human power or endurance
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
temporaryadjectiveUS /ˈtempəreri/
not permanent; not lasting
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
in or at that place or location
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
ThompsonnounUS /ˈtɑːmpsən/
United States classical archaeologist (born in Canada) noted for leading the excavation of the Athenian agora (1906-2000)
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading “Selden’s apology for the law against witches in his time shows a lurking belief,” remarked Herbert.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
tribenounUS /traɪb/
a social division of (usually preliterate) people
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
which person or people
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
WitchcraftnounUS /ˈwɪtʃkræft/
the art of sorcery
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
WitchesnounUS /ˈwɪtʃəz/
plural of “witch” — a female sorcerer or magician
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
in the company of; together with
From this reading Another Chat about Witches and Witchcraft—Late Period of the Existence of Belief in Witches—QUEEN SEMIRAMIS—Elfin Armorers—The Sword of the Scandinavian King—Mystical Meaning of Tales of Magic—Anglo-Saxon Enigmas—CELESTINUS AND THE MILLER’S HORSE—THE EMPEROR CONRAD AND THE COUNT’S SON—Legend of “The Giant with the Golden Hairs.”
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol
From this reading “May not Herbert fairly ask you,” said Lathom, “whether there is any antecedent improbability in mortal beings obtaining, from the spirit of evil, a temporary superhuman power; or in the idea of Satan awarding the riches and honors of this world to those who will fall down and worship him?”
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Perhaps you believe in witches, magicians, and all that tribe, that gather deadly herbs by moonlight, and ride through the air on broomsticks,” said Thompson, with a smile.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Your stories about sorcerers and sorcery, Lathom,” said Herbert, “have made me consider a little as to the amount of truth on which such fictions may have been founded.”
