1754
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
1832
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
adherencenounUS /ədˈhɪrəns/
faithful support for a cause or political party or religion
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
exhale hard
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading Churches, which Catholic families had built and endowed, passed into the hands of other denominations.
CatholicadjectiveUS /ˈkæθlɪk/
of or relating to or supporting Catholicism
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
ChurchesnounUS /ˈtʃɜːrtʃɪz/
plural of “church” — one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading Churches, which Catholic families had built and endowed, passed into the hands of other denominations.
confiscatedverbUS /ˈkɑːnfəskeɪtəd/
past form of “confiscate” — take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
denominationsnounUS /dɪˌnɔːməˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “denomination” — a group of religious congregations having its own organization and a distinctive faith
From this reading Churches, which Catholic families had built and endowed, passed into the hands of other denominations.
feelings of ardent love
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
devotions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
one or the other of two
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
endowedadjectiveUS /enˈdaʊd/
provided or supplied or equipped with (especially as by inheritance or nature)
From this reading Churches, which Catholic families had built and endowed, passed into the hands of other denominations.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
plural of “family” — a social unit living together
From this reading Churches, which Catholic families had built and endowed, passed into the hands of other denominations.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
forfeitverbUS /ˈfɔːrfɪt/
lose (s.th.) or lose the right to (s.th.) by some error, offense, or crime
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
Gordon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
the father of your father or mother
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Churches, which Catholic families had built and endowed, passed into the hands of other denominations.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Churches, which Catholic families had built and endowed, passed into the hands of other denominations.
lairdnounUS /lerd/
a landowner
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
lairds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
owning or consisting of land or real estate
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
landownernounUS /ˈlændoʊnər/
a holder or proprietor of land
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
ORIGINnounUS /ˈɔːrədʒən/
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Churches, which Catholic families had built and endowed, passed into the hands of other denominations.
outwardadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtwərd/
relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
an amount of time
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
practiseverbUS /ˈpræktɪs/
engage in a rehearsal
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
more desirable than another
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
preferringverbUS /prɪˈfɜːrɪŋ/
inflected form of “prefer” — like better; value more highly
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
priestsnounUS /priːsts/
plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
provisionsnounUS /prəˈvɪʒənz/
a stock or supply of foods
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
publiclyadverbUS /ˈpʌblɪkli/
in a manner accessible to or observable by the public; openly
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
renounceverbUS /rɪˈnaʊns/
give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
ScotlandnounUS /ˈskɑːtlənd/
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 MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
SCOTS-SPANISH
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
Scotsmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
secrecynounUS /ˈsiːkrəsi/
the trait of keeping things secret
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
submittedverbUS /səbˈmɪtɪd/
inflected form of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
carry out
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
which person or people
From this reading MY SCOTS-SPANISH ORIGIN At a period in the history of Scotland, we find that a law was passed under the provisions of which every landowner who was a Catholic had either to renounce his adherence to his Church or to forfeit his landed property to the Crown.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading Catholic priests who--in devotion to their duty--were willing to risk their lives, had to practise their devotions in secrecy.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This was a severe blow to Scotsmen, and history tells that practically every Catholic laird preferred not to have his property confiscated, with the natural result that he ceased--at any rate publicly--to take part in the outward forms of the Catholic religion.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading My great grandfather, Charles Edward Gordon (1754-1832), then quite a young man, happened to be one of those lairds who submitted to the law, preferring to remain lairds.
