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The Headsman
The Headsman

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Headsman is here in full — 129 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Headsman
Context Illustration Reading 1/25 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.
Rogers.
The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.
This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.
She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Headsman

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Headsman is here in full — 129 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/25 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.
Line 2
Rogers.
/ˈrɑːdʒərz/
Line 3
The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.
Line 4
This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.
Line 5
She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

commemoration noun US /kəˌmemərˈeɪʃən/

a ceremony to honor the memory of someone or something

From this reading “This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.”

deservedly adverb US /dɪˈzɜːrvədli/

as deserved

From this reading “This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.”

evergreens noun US /ˈevərɡriːnz/

plural of “evergreen” — a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year

From this reading “She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.”

navigated verb US /ˈnævəɡeɪtɪd/

past form of “navigate” — travel on water propelled by wind or by other means

From this reading “The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.”

profusely adverb US /prəˈfjuːsli/

in an abundant manner

From this reading “She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.”

Ruffling verb US /ˈrʌfəlɪŋ/

-ing form of “ruffle” — stir up (water) so as to form ripples

From this reading “Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.”

streamers noun US /ˈstriːmərz/

plural of “streamer” — light that streams

From this reading “She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.”

swiftest adjective US /ˈswɪftəst/

superlative of “swift” — moving very fast

From this reading “The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.”

All words in this reading · 95

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

accordingadjectiveUS /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

ArnoldnounUS /ˈɑːrnəld/

English poet and literary critic (1822-1888)

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

barknounUS /bɑːrk/

tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees and other woody plants

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

boreverbUS /bɔːr/

cause to be bored

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

breezenounUS /briːz/

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

brightadjectiveUS /braɪt/

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

bunchnounUS /bʌntʃ/

a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

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

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

commemorationnounUS /kəˌmemərˈeɪʃən/

a ceremony to honor the memory of someone or something

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

commencementnounUS /kəˈmensmənt/

the time at which something is supposed to begin

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

DaynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

departverbUS /dɪˈpɑːrt/

move away from a place into another direction

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

deservedlyadverbUS /dɪˈzɜːrvədli/

as deserved

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

evergreensnounUS /ˈevərɡriːnz/

plural of “evergreen” — a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

expressionnounUS /ɪkˈspreʃən/

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

fairestadjectiveUS /ˈferɪst/

superlative of “fair” — free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

fallverbUS /fɔːl/

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

fanciedadjectiveUS /ˈfænsid/

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

femaleadjectiveUS /ˈfiːmeɪl/

being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

fore-top-mast-head

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

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

friendsnounUS /frendz/

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

gagenounUS /ɡeɪdʒ/

street names for marijuana

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

generouslyadverbUS /ˈdʒenərəsli/

in a generous manner

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

GenevanounUS /dʒəˈniːvə/

a city in southwestern Switzerland at the western end of Lake Geneva; it is the headquarters of various international organizations

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

gentleadjectiveUS /ˈdʒentəl/

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

glimmered

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

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

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

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

heroesnounUS /ˈhɪroʊz/

plural of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

historicaladjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪkəl/

of or relating to the study of history

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

hopesnounUS /hoʊps/

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

knotsnounUS /nɑːts/

plural of “knot” — a tight cluster of people or things

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

lakenounUS /leɪk/

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

launchedverbUS /lɔːntʃt/

past form of “launch” — set up or found

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

layverbUS /leɪ/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

legendsnounUS /ˈledʒəndz/

plural of “legend” — a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

Leman

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

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

navigatedverbUS /ˈnævəɡeɪtɪd/

past form of “navigate” — travel on water propelled by wind or by other means

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

offeringsnounUS /ˈɔːfərɪŋz/

plural of “offering” — something offered (as a proposal or bid)

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

ornamentedverbUS /ˈɔːrnəmentɪd/

past form of “ornament” — make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

patron's

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

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

poeticaladjectiveUS /poʊˈetɪkəl/

of or relating to poetry

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

profuselyadverbUS /prəˈfjuːsli/

in an abundant manner

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

quaynounUS /kiː/

wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

ranksnounUS /ræŋks/

plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

ribandnoun

a ribbon used as a decoration

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

RogersnounUS /ˈrɑːdʒərz/

United States humorist remembered for his homespun commentary on politics and American society (1879-1935)

From this reading Rogers.

RufflingverbUS /ˈrʌfəlɪŋ/

-ing form of “ruffle” — stir up (water) so as to form ripples

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

sacrificedverbUS /ˈsækrəfaɪst/

past form of “sacrifice” — endure the loss of

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

streamersnounUS /ˈstriːmərz/

plural of “streamer” — light that streams

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

successnounUS /səkˈses/

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

summernounUS /ˈsʌmər/

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

swiftestadjectiveUS /ˈswɪftəst/

superlative of “swift” — moving very fast

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

townnounUS /taʊn/

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

truestadjectiveUS /ˈtruːɪst/

superlative of “true” — consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

Vaud

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

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

vesselnounUS /ˈvesəl/

a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

well-authenticated

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

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

wentverbUS /went/

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Day glimmered and I went, a gentle breeze Ruffling the Leman lake.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

Winkelried

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

From this reading This vessel was called the Winkelried, in commemoration of Arnold of that name, who had so generously sacrificed life and hopes to the good of his country, and who deservedly ranks among the truest of those heroes of whom we have well-authenticated legends.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading She had been launched at the commencement of the summer, and still bore at the fore-top-mast-head a bunch of evergreens, profusely ornamented with knots and streamers of riband, the offerings of the patron's female friends, and the fancied gage of success.

yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading The year was in its fall, according to a poetical expression of our own, and the morning bright, as the fairest and swiftest bark that navigated the Leman lay at the quay of the ancient and historical town of Geneva, ready to depart for the country of Vaud.

Chapter 1 of The Headsman by James Fenimore Cooper holds 129 sentences, grouped into 26 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of The Headsman contain?

Chapter 1 holds 129 sentences of The Headsman, unabridged, divided into 26 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Headsman by James Fenimore Cooper exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 129 sentences, grouped into 26 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of The Headsman?

Work through the 26 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 26 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Headsman

Common questions about reading The Headsman by James Fenimore Cooper on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Headsman?

Yes. All 5255 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #10938 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Headsman is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #10938, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Headsman take to read?

About 437 minutes of reading across 1051 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Headsman section by section

How to work through The Headsman section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 31 chapters of The Headsman to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Headsman

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Headsman, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Glimmered
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Headsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Gentle
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Headsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Breeze
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Headsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Ruffling
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Headsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.