Chapter XII

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

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

the state of being absent

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

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

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

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

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

a period of 100 years

From this reading I could give you far worse examples than the wondrous nineteenth century furnishes.”

required by rule

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading I could give you far worse examples than the wondrous nineteenth century furnishes.”

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

be false to; be dishonest with

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

-ing form of “differ” — be different

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

plural of “ditty” — a short simple song (or the words of a poem intended to be sung)

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

a person who is markedly small

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

coming next after the tenth and just before the twelfth in position

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

plural of “example” — an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading I could give you far worse examples than the wondrous nineteenth century furnishes.”

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading I could give you far worse examples than the wondrous nineteenth century furnishes.”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

a town in northern Maryland to the west of Baltimore

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

third-person singular of “furnish” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading I could give you far worse examples than the wondrous nineteenth century furnishes.”

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading I could give you far worse examples than the wondrous nineteenth century furnishes.”

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

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

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

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

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

a single distinct event

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

past form of “influence” — have and exert influence or effect

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

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

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

red late-ripening apple; primarily eaten raw

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

plural of “knight” — originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

plural of “marriage” — the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

joined in matrimony

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

coming next after the eighteenth in position

From this reading I could give you far worse examples than the wondrous nineteenth century furnishes.”

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

possession of controlling influence

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

most frequent or common

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

the sport of engaging in contests of speed

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

North American woodland herb similar to and used as substitute for the Chinese ginseng

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

(usually in the plural) a necessary commodity for which demand is constant

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

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 “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

express a supposition

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

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 Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

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 “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

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

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

a tenth part; one part in ten equal parts

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading I could give you far worse examples than the wondrous nineteenth century furnishes.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

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

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

United States classical archaeologist (born in Canada) noted for leading the excavation of the Athenian agora (1906-2000)

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

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

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

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

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

precisely as stated

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

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

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

at the time that

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

to a great degree

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Love and Marriage—THE KNIGHT AND THE THREE QUESTIONS—Racing for a Wife—JONATHAN AND THE THREE TALISMANS—Tale of the Dwarf and the Three Soldiers—Conclusion.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “Why, Herbert,” said Frederick Thompson, with a smile, “were it not rank heresy to suppose that power, and wealth, and policy influenced marriages in those romantic days, when knights performed impossibilities, and ladies sang love ditties from high towers?”

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading I could give you far worse examples than the wondrous nineteenth century furnishes.”

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading I could give you far worse examples than the wondrous nineteenth century furnishes.”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “I have been very much surprised at the almost entire absence of compulsory marriages from your tales; marriage, indeed, is the staple incident of the story, but the course of love seems to be allowed to run almost too smooth.”

used when the people spoken to are both doing and receiving the action

From this reading “You must not delude yourselves that ladies were married in the tenth and eleventh centuries on principles very widely differing from those now prevailing.