used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
apartmentsnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənts/
plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
barredadjectiveUS /bɑːrd/
preventing entry or exit or a course of action
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
bearernounUS /ˈberər/
someone whose employment involves carrying something
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
the lower side of anything
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
brilliantly-lit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
claynounUS /kleɪ/
a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
colossaladjectiveUS /kəˈlɑːsəl/
so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
courtiersnounUS /ˈkɔːrtiərz/
plural of “courtier” — an attendant at the court of a sovereign
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
courtyardnounUS /ˈkɔːrt.jɑːrd/
An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
placed crosswise
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
having gaps or spaces
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
exhibitedverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪbətəd/
past form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
festivitiesnounUS /feˈstɪvətiz/
plural of “festivity” — any joyous diversion
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
finaladjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/
occurring at or forming an end or termination
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
obtain
From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
girdlenounUS /ˈɡɜːrdəl/
an encircling or ringlike structure
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
guardsnounUS /ɡɑːrdz/
plural of “guard” — a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
deeply or markedly affected or influenced
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
inanimateadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnænəmət/
belonging to the class of nouns denoting nonliving things
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
interlacedadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈleɪst/
having a pattern of fretwork or latticework
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
Istar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
Istar's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
lances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
in order that something should not happen
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
a particular point in time
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
officialsnounUS /əˈfɪʃəlz/
plural of “official” — a worker who holds or is invested with an office
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
pouchnounUS /paʊtʃ/
a small or medium size container for holding or carrying things
From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
raise the level or amount of something
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
regainverbUS /rɪˈɡeɪn/
get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
royaladjectiveUS /ˈrɔɪəl/
of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
scribesnounUS /skraɪbz/
plural of “scribe” — French playwright (1791-1861)
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
sculpturesnounUS /ˈskʌlptʃərz/
plural of “sculpture” — a three-dimensional work of plastic art
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
sealverbUS /siːl/
make tight; secure against leakage
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
secretedverbUS /səˈkriːtɪd/
past form of “secrete” — generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
silkenadjectiveUS /ˈsɪlkən/
having a smooth, gleaming surface reflecting light
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
slumberingverbUS /ˈslʌmbərɪŋ/
-ing form of “slumber” — be asleep
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
in the near future
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
staffnounUS /stæf/
personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task
From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
sun-driedadjective
dried naturally by the sun
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
tabletnounUS /ˈtæblət/
a slab of stone or wood suitable for bearing an inscription
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
templesnounUS /ˈtempəlz/
plural of “temple” — place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This I placed in my pouch, and, taking a staff, set forth to gain my freedom.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
tiernounUS /tiːr/
a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
the upper part of anything
From this reading As soon as I drew near to the head of the broad stairs the lances of the guards were interlaced from top to bottom.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
urgentadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrdʒənt/
compelling immediate action
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My passage was barred until I had explained to the two officers that I was bearer of an urgent message from Istar, and exhibited to them the tablet bearing her seal.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
week'snounUS /wiːks/
possessive form of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
in or at the place that
From this reading In fear each moment lest Istar should regain consciousness, and raise the alarm, I hurried on through the great apartments with their colossal sculptures, where scribes and courtiers, officials and soldiers, were slumbering after the week's festivities, and at length gained the head of the brilliantly-lit flight of steps, the one way by which the royal palace could be approached.
whereon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading With a final glance at her inanimate form, I secreted the knife within my silken girdle, then dashed down the stairs--down, down, through the six deserted temples, tier on tier, until I reached the silent courtyard, which I hastily crossed and went to Istar's private apartment, whence I took a small tablet of sun-dried clay whereon a message had been impressed.
