Chapter XXVI · We Hear Strange News

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

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

forsake, leave behind

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

moving forward

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

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

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

a structure or object that impedes free movement

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

plural of “bearer” — someone whose employment involves carrying something

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

the two together, not just one

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

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

From this reading When she counted the cost of the defense, however, the brave High Priestess was in despair.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

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

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

plural of “citizen” — a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

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

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading When she counted the cost of the defense, however, the brave High Priestess was in despair.

past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of

From this reading When she counted the cost of the defense, however, the brave High Priestess was in despair.

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

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies

From this reading When she counted the cost of the defense, however, the brave High Priestess was in despair.

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading When she counted the cost of the defense, however, the brave High Priestess was in despair.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane or from volcanic activity

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

make full, also in a metaphorical sense

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

A small part broken or separated off something larger.

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

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

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

a small number or amount

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading When she counted the cost of the defense, however, the brave High Priestess was in despair.

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

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

fighting; acts of overt warfare

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading When she counted the cost of the defense, however, the brave High Priestess was in despair.

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

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

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

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

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

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

a person who rules or guides or inspires others

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

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

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

not any; not one

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

superlative of “noble” — impressive in appearance

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

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

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

and nothing more

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

extremely crowed or filled to capacity

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

a closed litter carried on the shoulders of four bearers

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

United States feminist (1885-1977)

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

past form of “perish” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

a woman priest

From this reading When she counted the cost of the defense, however, the brave High Priestess was in despair.

plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

made less in size or amount or degree

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When she counted the cost of the defense, however, the brave High Priestess was in despair.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

the killing of animals (as for food)

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

showing ignorance of the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

plural of “terror” — an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

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

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

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

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

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

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

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

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading The slaughter must have been terrible, for not only did the fragment completely fill the vast space but the rubble of loose rocks following it killed many on both sides.

plural of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.

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

From this reading When she counted the cost of the defense, however, the brave High Priestess was in despair.

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

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

at the time that

From this reading Paul told me afterward that the advancing Itzaex had reached the barrier and, astonished at finding no opposition, were climbing upon it in a closely packed mass when the great rock fell.

which person or people

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Among the victims were Datchapa and his palanquin bearers, and being now without a leader the superstitious terrors of the Itzaex, who had always feared this “sacred mountain,” influenced them to abandon further hostilities and return to their own city.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Many of the noblest and best citizens had perished, and between war and earthquake the population of the valley was now reduced to a mere handful, and those mostly priests, women and children.