Chapter XII

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

a purgative made from the leaves of aloe

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

Having no one else present.

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

any succulent plant of the family Cactaceae native chiefly to arid regions of the New World and usually having spines

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

make calm or still

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

without care or concern

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

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

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

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

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

a cigar made with light-colored tobacco

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

used of a height or viewpoint

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

not accessible to view

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

-ing form of “contend” — maintain or assert

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

plural of “convulsion” — a sudden uncontrollable attack

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

in a flirtatious manner

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

the state of being decayed or destroyed

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

housing that someone is living in

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

a feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

surrounding and closing in on or hemming in

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

at any time

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

of a conditioned response; caused to die out because of the absence or withdrawal of reinforcement

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

many times at short intervals

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

be shiny, as if wet

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

the native habitat or home of an animal or plant

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

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

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

not causing or capable of causing harm

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

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

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

past form of “howl” — emit long loud cries

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

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

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

with unflagging resolve

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

lacking discretion; injudicious

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

characteristic of or resembling Hell

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

the act of suspending activity temporarily

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

past form of “intertwine” — spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

in an uncontrolled manner

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

plural of “maple” — wood of any of various maple trees; especially the hard close-grained wood of the sugar maple; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

the force of workers available

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

past form of “menace” — pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

any amazing or wonderful occurrence

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

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

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

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

From this reading This habitation was named the "Quinta Verde."

an interconnected system of things or people

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

not any; not one

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

plural of “oak” — the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

many times at short intervals

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

on one occasion

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

plural of “overthrow” — the termination of a ruler or institution (especially by force)

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

plural of “palm” — the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

by chance

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

an amount of time

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

goods or money obtained illegally

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

plural of “plain” — extensive tract of level open land

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

possession of controlling influence

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

an unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

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

From this reading THE QUINTA VERDE.

characterized by violent and forceful activity or movement; very intense

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

receiving deferential regard

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

the former capital and 2nd largest city of Brazil; chief Brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

city in the northern Dominican Republic

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

plural of “shutter” — a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

not in physical motion

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

the practice of measuring angles and distances on the ground so that they can be accurately plotted on a map

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

a violent commotion or disturbance

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

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

From this reading THE QUINTA VERDE.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

a dense growth of bushes

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

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

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

the upper part of anything

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

plural of “torch” — a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

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

From this reading THE QUINTA VERDE.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

plural of “village” — a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

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

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

past form of “wave” — signal with the hands or nod

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

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

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

a more or less vertical column of air whirling around itself as it moves over the surface of the Earth

From this reading By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families?

a Caucasian

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

which person or people

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

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

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable rampart.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, had waved them about madly.