Chapter XV

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

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

a line of defense consisting of a barrier of felled or live trees with branches (sharpened or with barbed wire entwined) pointed toward the enemy

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

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

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

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

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

plural of “army” — a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

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

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

plural of “assailant” — someone who attacks

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

plural of “assault” — close fighting during the culmination of a military attack

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

plural of “band” — an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

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

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

plural of “bastion” — a group that defends a principle

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

plural of “battlement” — a rampart built around the top of a castle with regular gaps for firing arrows or guns

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

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

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

formed or made thin by hammering

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

stopped up; clogged up

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

A fortress protecting a city, metaphorically representing the invincible inner sanctuary of the rational mind.

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

a band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

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

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

plural of “defender” — a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

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

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

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

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

divisible by two

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

defensive structure consisting of walls or mounds built around a stronghold to strengthen it

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

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

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

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

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

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

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

plural of “ladder” — steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

past form of “launch” — set up or found

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

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 The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

imposing in size or bulk or solidity

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

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

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

and nothing more

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

above and across; more than

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

not taken into account

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

plural of “patriot” — one who loves and defends his or her country

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

past form of “rebound” — spring back; spring away from an impact

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

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

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

shaken into waves or undulations as by wind

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

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

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

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

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

plural of “shower” — a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

with skill

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

plural of “stream” — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

A noble monarch or supreme sovereign ruler of an Islamic country or empire.

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading The assaults which Sultan Amurath launched against the place had been as frequent as the early summer showers, and his armies were beaten to pieces as the rain rebounded in spray and ran in streams from the rocks.

closely encircling

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

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

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

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

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

in the direction of

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

lacking protection or a guard

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

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

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The battlements of Sfetigrade lay, like a ruffled collar, upon enormous shoulders of rock rising high above the surrounding country.

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

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

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

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

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

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

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

From this reading The rock upon which the fortification stood was scarped toward the valley, so that it could be climbed only with the help of ladders, even though the assailants were unresisted by its defenders.

which person or people

From this reading The few spots which nature had left unguarded were now choked with abattis, or overlooked by bastions so skilfully constructed as to need far less courage and strength for their defence than were possessed by the bands of Dibrian and Epirot patriots who fought from behind them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Over them rose, like a massive head, the citadel with its bartizans projecting as a crown about the brow.