used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
AlineverbUS /əˈlaɪn/
place in a line or arrange so as to be parallel or straight
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
ArgylenounUS /ˈɑːrɡaɪl/
a covered gravy holder of silver or other metal containing a detachable central vessel for hot water to keep the gravy warm
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
BIRTHDAYnounUS /ˈbɜːrθdeɪ/
an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
brieflyadverbUS /ˈbriːfli/
for a short time
From this reading His mother was overjoyed to see him and he briefly told her the story of the child.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
an occurrence of something
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
a young person of either sex
From this reading His mother was overjoyed to see him and he briefly told her the story of the child.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
covenantnounUS /ˈkʌvənənt/
a signed written agreement between two or more parties (nations) to perform some action
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
a female human offspring
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
disbandedverbUS /dɪsˈbændɪd/
past form of “disband” — cause to break up or cease to function
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
DuchessnounUS /ˈdʌtʃəs/
the wife of a duke or a woman holding ducal title in her own right
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
a British peer of the highest rank
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading With this small force he moved northward.
plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
Glencairn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
Hawick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading With this small force he moved northward.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His mother was overjoyed to see him and he briefly told her the story of the child.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
be the source of pain
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
Ian's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
Menstrie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
used to form the superlative
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading His mother was overjoyed to see him and he briefly told her the story of the child.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading With this small force he moved northward.
absolutely essential
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
information about recent and important events
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
northwardadverbUS /ˈnɔːrθwərd/
in a northern direction
From this reading With this small force he moved northward.
nucleusnounUS /ˈnuːkliəs/
a part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
Ochil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
overjoyedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊvərˈdʒɔɪd/
extremely joyful
From this reading His mother was overjoyed to see him and he briefly told her the story of the child.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
regentnounUS /ˈriːdʒənt/
members of a governing board
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
retainingverbUS /rɪˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “retain” — hold back within
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading His mother was overjoyed to see him and he briefly told her the story of the child.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
Shiona
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
be seated
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
in the near future
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
hurting
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading His mother was overjoyed to see him and he briefly told her the story of the child.
the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading With this small force he moved northward.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE BIRTHDAY PARTY After the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading His mother was overjoyed to see him and he briefly told her the story of the child.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
warmlyadverbUS /ˈwɔːrmli/
in a hearty manner
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
welcomedverbUS /ˈwelkəmd/
past form of “welcome” — accept gladly
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
in or at the place that
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
which person or people
From this reading As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With this small force he moved northward.
