used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
plural of “age” — how long something has existed
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
arrivingverbUS /ərˈaɪvɪŋ/
-ing form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
artificialadjectiveUS /ˌɑːrtəˈfɪʃəl/
contrived by art rather than nature
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
bondsnounUS /bɑːndz/
plural of “bond” — an electrical force linking atoms
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
the act of breaking something
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
a woman who has recently been married
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
bygonenounUS /ˈbaɪɡɔːn/
past events to be put aside
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
carriesnounUS /ˈkæriz/
plural of “carry” — the act of carrying something
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
changesnounUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/
plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
civilisationnoun
the social process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
complimentsnounUS /ˈkɑːmpləments/
(usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare
From this reading Nowadays we have no leisure for courtly greetings and elaborately-turned compliments.
courtlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɔːrtli/
refined or imposing in manner or appearance; befitting a royal court
From this reading Nowadays we have no leisure for courtly greetings and elaborately-turned compliments.
CourtshipnounUS /ˈkɔːrtʃɪp/
a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
deep-seatedadjective
(used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
duskyadjective
lighted by or as if by twilight
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
elaborately-turned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nowadays we have no leisure for courtly greetings and elaborately-turned compliments.
essencenounUS /ˈesəns/
the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
fightsnounUS /faɪts/
plural of “fight” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Nowadays we have no leisure for courtly greetings and elaborately-turned compliments.
forefathersnounUS /ˈfɔːrfɑːðərz/
plural of “forefather” — the founder of a family
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
fundamentaladjectiveUS /ˌfʌndəˈmentəl/
serving as an essential component
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
greetingsnounUS /ˈɡriːtɪŋz/
plural of “greeting” — (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
From this reading Nowadays we have no leisure for courtly greetings and elaborately-turned compliments.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Nowadays we have no leisure for courtly greetings and elaborately-turned compliments.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
joysnounUS /dʒɔɪz/
plural of “joy” — the emotion of great happiness
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
and nothing more
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading Nowadays we have no leisure for courtly greetings and elaborately-turned compliments.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
social deportment
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
march in a procession
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
necessitiesnounUS /nəˈsesɪtiz/
plural of “necessity” — the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
not any; not one
From this reading Nowadays we have no leisure for courtly greetings and elaborately-turned compliments.
NowadaysnounUS /ˈnaʊədeɪz/
the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
From this reading Nowadays we have no leisure for courtly greetings and elaborately-turned compliments.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
old-worldadjective
characteristic of former times especially in Europe
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
procuringverbUS /proʊˈkjʊrɪŋ/
-ing form of “procure” — get by special effort
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
rapinenoun
the act of despoiling a country in warfare
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
restraintnounUS /rɪˈstreɪnt/
the act of controlling by restraining someone or something
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
socially incorrect in behavior
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
express in words
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
slackeningnounUS /ˈslækənɪŋ/
an occurrence of control or strength weakening
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
statelier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
stealsnounUS /stiːlz/
plural of “steal” — an advantageous purchase
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
treasonnounUS /ˈtriːzən/
a crime that undermines the offender's government
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
unalteredadjectiveUS /əˈnɔːltərd/
remaining in an original state
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
undergoneverbUS /ˌʌndərˈɡɔːn/
inflected form of “undergo” — pass through
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Nowadays we have no leisure for courtly greetings and elaborately-turned compliments.
which person or people
From this reading Just as the savage of to-day steals or fights for his dusky bride, so did our own rude forefathers of past ages look to rapine and the sword as the natural means of procuring the mate who was to minister to their joys and necessities.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading We are slackening many of the old bonds, breaking down some of the old restraint, and, though it will seem treason to members of a past generation to say it, we are, let us hope, arriving at a less artificial state of things.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading During the march of civilisation Marriage and the circumstances that lead up to it have undergone many and wonderful changes, though the deep-seated fundamental idea of having a mate has remained unaltered in essence.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading The word _Courtship_ has an old-world sound about it, and carries the mind back to the statelier manners of bygone days.
