Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

a French abbot

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

a church associated with a monastery or convent

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

in actual fact

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

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

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

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

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

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

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

separated or at a distance in place or position or time

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

given to or characterized by argument

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

relating to or characteristic of art or artists

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

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

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

plural of “bearing” — relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

United States anthropologist (1887-1948)

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

past form of “borrow” — get temporarily

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

a town in northern France that is noted for its Gothic Cathedral

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

chew (food); to bite and grind with the teeth

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

making or willing to make concessions

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

the specified day of the month

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

precise; explicit and clearly defined

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

(historical linguistics) an explanation of the historical origins of a word or phrase

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

a branch of knowledge

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

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

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

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

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

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

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

something many people believe that is false

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

any federal law-enforcement officer

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

plural of “generality” — an idea or conclusion having general application

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

the body of people who are citizens of a particular government

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

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

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

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

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

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

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

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

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

past form of “linger” — remain present although waning or gradually dying

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

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 By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

Recollections of past events.

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

-ing form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

comparative of “mild” — moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

the residence of a religious community

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

past form of “muse” — reflect deeply on a subject

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

able to be sailed on or through safely

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

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

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

on one occasion

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

above and across; more than

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

in a persistent manner

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

having a point

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

consider again; give new consideration to; usually with a view to changing

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

not used up

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

not arrogant or presuming

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

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

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

-ing form of “specify” — specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

walk heavily

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

of considerable importance, size, or worth

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

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

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

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

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

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

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

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

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

the act of using

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

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

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

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

From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.

boring verbosity

From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.