Chapter VI

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

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

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

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

an experience that appalls

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

plural of “archer” — a person who is expert in the use of a bow and arrow

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

plural of “army” — a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

long strip of cloth or paper used for decoration or advertising

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

plural of “bastard” — insulting terms of address for people who are stupid or irritating or ridiculous

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

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

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

superlative of “brave” — possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

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

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

plural of “contribution” — the effort contributed by a person in bringing about a result

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

a small house with a single story

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

someone who has supervisory duties at a summer camp

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

absence of light or illumination

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

without deviation

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

causing dejection

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading Foreign invasion was triumphant, domestic insurrection was rife.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

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

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

in an effectual manner

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

in or to another place

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

bringing death

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

plural of “fetter” — a shackle for the ankles or feet

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

borne up by or suspended in a liquid

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading Foreign invasion was triumphant, domestic insurrection was rife.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

affected with or marked by frenzy or mania uncontrolled by reason

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

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

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

having or deserving or conferring glory

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

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

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

plural of “harvest” — the yield from plants in a single growing season

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

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

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

intense and profound fear

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

plural of “horror” — intense and profound fear

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

ten 10s

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

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

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

of or characteristic of low rank or importance

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another

From this reading Foreign invasion was triumphant, domestic insurrection was rife.

the act of invading; the act of an army that invades for conquest or plunder

From this reading Foreign invasion was triumphant, domestic insurrection was rife.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

-ing form of “languish” — lose vigor, health, or flesh, as through grief

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

-ing form of “levy” — impose and collect

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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 Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

the force of workers available

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

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

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

marked by calm self-control (especially in trying circumstances); unemotional

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

impressive in appearance

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

plural of “noble” — a titled peer of the realm

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

in name only

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

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

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

a sudden violent spontaneous occurrence (usually of some undesirable condition)

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

the act of stealing valuable things from a place

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

the act of stealing valuable things from a place

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

plural of “province” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

a domain in which something is dominant

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

members of a governing board

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

most frequent or common

From this reading Foreign invasion was triumphant, domestic insurrection was rife.

only a very short time before

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

submissive or fawning in attitude or behavior

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

happening or arising without apparent external cause

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

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

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

not in physical motion

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

-ing form of “storm” — behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

grievously affected especially by disease

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

plural of “stronghold” — a strongly fortified defensive structure

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

past form of “subject” — cause to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

move back and forth or sideways

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

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

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

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

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

the chair of state for a monarch, bishop, etc.

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

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

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

plural of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success

From this reading Foreign invasion was triumphant, domestic insurrection was rife.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

past form of “vanquish” — come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

having won

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.

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

From this reading Foreign invasion was triumphant, domestic insurrection was rife.

wanting in physical strength

From this reading The terrible and fatal field of Poictiers, the field of the Black Prince, had stricken down at a single stroke the might of a great, a glorious nation; her king a captive in a foreign dungeon; one third of the best and bravest nobles dead on the field of honor, or languishing in English fetters; a weak and nerveless regent on her throne; and Charles, the bad king of Navarre, the counsellor, the nearest to his ear.

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

From this reading They were dark and dismal days in the fair land of France.

in or at the place that

From this reading To this appalling state of things a fresh horror was now added, where horror was least needed--and that the most tremendous of all horrors, a servile insurrection--the sudden, and spontaneous, and victorious outbreak of ignorant, down-trodden, vicious, cruel, frenzied, and brutal slaves!

in the company of; together with

From this reading Half of the realm at least was held directly under English sway, with garrisons of English archers in the towns, and the red-cross banner of St. George floating above her vanquished towers; and in the provinces, still nominally French, armies of free companions sweeping the fields of their harvests far and near, plundering the cottage, pillaging the castle, levying contributions on open towns, storming by force strongholds--English, Gascons, and Normans--led for the most part by men of name and renown--bastards, in many cases, of great and noble houses, such as the bourg de Maulion, and the bourg de Keranlouet, and a hundred others of scarcely inferior fame--had subjected the country scarcely less effectually than it had been done elsewhere by open, honorable warfare.