Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

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

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

possessive form of “death” — the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

twice as great or many

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

opinion or judgment

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

the month following January and preceding March

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

people in general (often used in the plural)

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

United States film maker (1896-1973)

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

a male member of a religious order that originally relied solely on alms

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

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

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

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

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

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

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

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

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

in a softened tone

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

not in action or at work

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

being in captivity

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

possessive form of “january” — the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

comparative of “kind” — having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

a boy or man

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

plural of “league” — an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

the period during which something is functional (as between birth and death)

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

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 Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

the force of workers available

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

used to form the superlative

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

not any; not one

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

and nothing more

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

cause to suffer a blight

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

past form of “preach” — deliver a sermon

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

A prediction of what will happen in the future, often divinely or magically inspired.

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

established beyond doubt

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

the cognitive processes whereby past experience is remembered

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

turn away from sin or do penitence

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

past form of “repent” — turn away from sin or do penitence

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

to, toward, or in the southeast

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

not in physical motion

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

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

From this reading In every village the Friar preached and called on men to repent and be saved, for Death’s shadow was already upon them.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Hilarius and the Friar were long on the road, for January’s turbulent mood had imprisoned them many days, and early February had proved little kinder.

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

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

which person or people

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading A DARK FINDING IT is a far cry from St Alban’s to Bungay—which village of the good ford lies somewhat south-east of Norwich, five leagues distant—and the journey is doubled in the winter time.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading Folk wondered and gaped—the Plague was still only a name ten leagues east of London—but many repented and confessed and made restitution, though some heard with idle ears, remembering the prophecy of Brother Robert who had come with the same message half a man’s lifetime before, and that no evil had followed his preaching.

showing curiosity

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading They had companied with folk, light women and brutal men; but, for the most part, coarse word and foul jest were hushed in the presence of the blind friar and the lad with the wondering eyes.