used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A WEDDING NIGHT.
abbotnounUS /ˈæbət/
the superior of an abbey of monks
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
Achanna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
arrangementsnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənts/
plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
avengeverbUS /əˈvendʒ/
take revenge for a perceived wrong
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
batteringnounUS /ˈbætərɪŋ/
the act of subjecting to strong attack
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
bloodedadjectiveUS /ˈblʌdɪd/
of unmixed ancestry
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
bluntadjectiveUS /blʌnt/
having a broad or rounded end
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
Bommel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
(used in the plural) a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
Bryde
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
buffnounUS /bʌf/
an ardent follower and admirer
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
busilyadverbUS /ˈbɪzəli/
in a busy manner
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
buttverbUS /bʌt/
lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
an occurrence of something
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
a person who is in charge
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
circumventverbUS /ˌsɜːrkəmˈvent/
surround so as to force to give up
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
closetedverbUS /ˈklɑːzətɪd/
past form of “closet” — confine to a small space, as for intensive work
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
coldestadjectiveUS /ˈkoʊldəst/
superlative of “cold” — having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
containingverbUS /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
crucifixnounUS /ˈkruːsəfɪks/
representation of the cross on which Jesus died
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
crumbsnounUS /krʌmz/
plural of “crumb” — a very small quantity of something
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
disappearancenounUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɪrəns/
the act of leaving secretly or without explanation
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
DouglasnounUS /ˈdʌɡləs/
United States politician who proposed that individual territories be allowed to decide whether they would have slavery; he engaged in a famous series of debates with Abraham Lincoln (1813-1861)
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
emotionsnounUS /ɪˈmoʊʃənz/
plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
exultationnoun
a feeling of extreme joy
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
foin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
groomsnounUS /ɡruːmz/
plural of “groom” — a man participant in his own marriage ceremony
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
hostellernoun
an owner or manager of hotels
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
hostelrynoun
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
inevitableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnevətəbəl/
incapable of being avoided or prevented
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
and nothing more
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
measuresnounUS /ˈmeʒərz/
plural of “measure” — any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
Murielle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading A WEDDING NIGHT.
not any; not one
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
outwitverbUS /ˈaʊtwɪt/
beat through cleverness and wit
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
arrange in a container
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
palladiumnounUS /pəˈleɪdiəm/
a silver-white metallic element of the platinum group that resembles platinum; occurs in some copper and nickel ores; does not tarnish at ordinary temperatures and is used (alloyed with gold) in jewelry
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
parryverbUS /ˈperi/
impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
pikenounUS /paɪk/
a broad highway designed for high-speed traffic
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
portmanteaunounUS /ˈpɔːrtmɑːntoʊ/
a new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
prie-dieunoun
low bench for kneeling on
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
procureverbUS /proʊˈkjʊr/
get by special effort
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
readinessnounUS /ˈredinəs/
the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
risenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪzən/
(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
smote
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
swordsnounUS /sɔːrdz/
plural of “sword” — a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
carry out
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading In less than half an hour after his disappearance from the church, he was closeted with the earl, who had just risen from his knees, having been on a _prie-dieu_ at prayer before a crucifix and case containing some crumbs of the bones of St. Bryde--the chief palladium of the house of Douglas.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
treadverbUS /tred/
put down or press the foot, place the foot
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
Twas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "Their swords smote blunt upon our steel, And keen upon our buff; The coldest blooded man of us Had battering enough; 'Twas butt to butt, and point to point, And eager pike to pike; 'Twas foin and parry, give and take, As long as we could strike."
the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
From this reading A WEDDING NIGHT.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
which person or people
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
in the company of; together with
From this reading While he is busy with the hosteller, his grooms, horses, and arrangements, let us return to one who was quite as busily taking measures to circumvent them--the inevitable Achanna.
wrongsnounUS /rɔːŋz/
plural of “wrong” — that which is contrary to the principles of justice or law
From this reading Gray seemed to tread on air--he felt as one in a dream--but a dream to be realized--as he hurried through the streets of Bommel to his hostelry, to pack his mail (a portmanteau), to order his horse to be in readiness, and to procure one for Murielle; while his emotions of love for her, and gratitude to the abbot, left no room in his honest heart for exultation that he was about to outwit his enemies, and by bearing her away avenge the wrongs they had done him.
