Chapter XVI · “A Ruined Fortune”

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

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

inflected form of “abut” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

(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 No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

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

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

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

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

next to; at the side of

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

offering little or no hope

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

plural of “bottle” — a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

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

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

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

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

past form of “cope” — succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

female of domestic cattle: "“moo-cow” is a child's term"

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

tableware (eating and serving dishes) collectively

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

socialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

contemptuous laughter

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

past form of “devise” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

causing dejection

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

closed in or surrounded or included within

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

divisible by two

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

extremely impressive in strength or excellence

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

an architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

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

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

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

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

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

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

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

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

-ing form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

past form of “intermix” — combine into one

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

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

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

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

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

a form of address for a man

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

not any; not one

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

on one occasion

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

plural of “plank” — a stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

plural of “remnant” — a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

the act of putting something in working order again

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

inclined to shake as from weakness or defect

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

in a rueful manner

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

a platform from which criminals are executed (hanged or beheaded)

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

get rid of

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

protected from danger or bad weather

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

building material used as siding or roofing

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

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

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

having a supporting base

From this reading A long shed, abutting on the house, sheltered a cow and a horse; the latter standing with his head above a rickety half-door, and looking ruefully out at the dismal landscape beneath him.

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

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

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

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

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

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

in the direction of

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

a just detectable amount

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

not yet used or soiled

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

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

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

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

From this reading No stronger contrast could be presented than that offered by the house which called Mr. Magennis master, to all the splendor and elegance which distinguished Cro' Martin.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A low wall, coped with a formidable “frieze” of broken bottles and crockery, enclosed a space in front once destined for a garden, but left in its original state of shingle, intermixed with the remnants of building materials and scaffold planks.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Most of the windows were broken,--and in some no attempt at repair had been made,--indicating that the rooms within were left unused.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Built on the side of a bleak, barren mountain, without a trace of cultivation,--not even a tree beside it,--the coarse stone walls, high pitched roof, and narrow windows seemed all devised in some spirit of derision towards its graceful neighbor.