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The Master of Stair
The Master of Stair

Chapter XXX

Chapter 30 of The Master of Stair is here in full — 119 sentences across 24 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.
The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.
Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.
The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.
Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Master of Stair

Chapter XXX

Chapter 30 of The Master of Stair is here in full — 119 sentences across 24 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/23 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.
Line 2
The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.
Line 3
Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.
Line 4
The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.
Line 5
Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

Learner Dictionary

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

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

ascendant noun US /əˈsendənt/

position or state of being dominant or in control

From this reading “Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.”

authorize verb US /ˈɔːθəraɪz/

grant authorization or clearance for

From this reading “The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.”

clamored verb US /ˈklæmərd/

past form of “clamor” — make loud demands

From this reading “The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.”

commissioners noun US /kəˈmɪʃənərz/

plural of “commissioner” — a government administrator

From this reading “THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.”

debates noun US /dəˈbeɪts/

plural of “debate” — a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal

From this reading “The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.”

pronouncing verb US /prəˈnaʊnsɪŋ/

-ing form of “pronounce” — speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way

From this reading “The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.”

sluggish adjective US /ˈslʌɡɪʃ/

moving slowly

From this reading “The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.”

unpopular adjective US /ˌʌnˈpɑːpjələr/

regarded with disfavor or lacking general approval

From this reading “Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

three years noun + noun

In this reading “The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.”

toward the end preposition + article + noun counted as “toward … end”

In this reading “THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.”

All words in this reading · 106

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

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

absentadjectiveUS /ˈæbsənt/

not being in a specified place

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

ACCOMPLISHEDadjectiveUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃt/

highly skilled

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

affairnounUS /əˈfer/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

agoadverbUS /əˈɡoʊ/

in the past

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

ascendantnounUS /əˈsendənt/

position or state of being dominant or in control

From this reading Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

authorizeverbUS /ˈɔːθəraɪz/

grant authorization or clearance for

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

beholdverbUS /bɪˈhoʊld/

see with attention

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

bloodyadjectiveUS /ˈblʌdi/

having or covered with or accompanied by blood

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

causenounUS /kɑːz/

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

clamoredverbUS /ˈklæmərd/

past form of “clamor” — make loud demands

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

commissionnounUS /kəˈmɪʃən/

a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

commissionersnounUS /kəˈmɪʃənərz/

plural of “commissioner” — a government administrator

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

committedadjectiveUS /kəˈmɪtɪd/

bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

conclusionsnounUS /kənˈkluːʒənz/

plural of “conclusion” — a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

consideringverbUS /kənˈsɪdərɪŋ/

-ing form of “consider” — deem to be

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

crimenounUS /kraɪm/

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

debatesnounUS /dəˈbeɪts/

plural of “debate” — a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

declaredadjectiveUS /dɪˈklerd/

made known or openly avowed

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

demandnounUS /dɪˈmænd/

an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

detailsnounUS /dɪˈteɪlz/

true confidential information

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

discussedverbUS /dɪˈskʌst/

past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

endnounUS /end/

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

enemiesnounUS /ˈenəmiz/

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

entireadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtaɪər/

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

EstatesnounUS /ɪˈsteɪts/

plural of “estate” — everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

excitementnounUS /ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

feebleadjectiveUS /ˈfiːbəl/

pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness

From this reading Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

flamedverbUS /fleɪmd/

past form of “flame” — shine with a sudden light

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

gentlemannounUS /ˈdʒentəlmən/

a man of refinement

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

Glencoe

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

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

Grassmarket

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

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

greatestadjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪtəst/

highest in quality

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

hangedverbUS /hæŋd/

past form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

hopedverbUS /hoʊpt/

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

JunenounUS /dʒuːn/

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

KingnounUS /kɪŋ/

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

King'snounUS /kɪŋz/

possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

languagenounUS /ˈlæŋɡwədʒ/

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

lettersnounUS /ˈletərz/

the literary culture

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

LIEverbUS /laɪ/

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

LordnounUS /lɔːrd/

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

Macdonalds

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

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

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 Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

MasternounUS /ˈmæstər/

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

measuredadjectiveUS /ˈmeʒərd/

having notes of fixed rhythmic value

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

ministernounUS /ˈmɪnəstər/

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

murderverbUS /ˈmɜːrdər/

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

murderernounUS /ˈmɜːrdərər/

a criminal who commits homicide (who performs the unlawful premeditated killing of another human being)

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

oppositionnounUS /ˌɑːpəˈzɪʃən/

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

ParliamentnounUS /ˈpɑːrləmənt/

a legislative assembly in certain countries

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

pleasurenounUS /ˈpleʒər/

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

producedverbUS /prəˈduːst/

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

pronouncingverbUS /prəˈnaʊnsɪŋ/

-ing form of “pronounce” — speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

publicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

reportverbUS /riˈpɔːrt/

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

restedadjectiveUS /ˈrestəd/

not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

rousedverbUS /raʊzd/

past form of “rouse” — become active

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

ScotlandnounUS /ˈskɑːtlənd/

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

seeingnounUS /ˈsiːɪŋ/

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

slaughternounUS /ˈslɔːtər/

the killing of animals (as for food)

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

sluggishadjectiveUS /ˈslʌɡɪʃ/

moving slowly

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

StairnounUS /ster/

support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

Stair's

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

From this reading Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

ThenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/

in the direction of

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

triumphantadjectiveUS /traɪˈʌmfənt/

joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success

From this reading Then Lord Stair’s enemies, in the ascendant, triumphant carried against a feeble opposition that the Glencoe affair was murder.

Tweeddale's

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

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

unpopularadjectiveUS /ˌʌnˈpɑːpjələr/

regarded with disfavor or lacking general approval

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

verdictnounUS /ˈvɜːrdɪkt/

(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

votedverbUS /ˈvoʊtɪd/

past form of “vote” — express one's preference for a candidate or for a measure or resolution; cast a vote

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

warrantnounUS /ˈwɔːrənt/

a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts

From this reading The Parliament, clamored in strong debates, roused after the sluggish years, voted to a man that the King’s warrant did not authorize the slaughter of the Macdonalds.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Public excitement flamed high; the greatest gentleman in Scotland had been declared a murderer and as the details of his crime were discussed, there were many who hoped for the pleasure of seeing the unpopular minister hanged in the Grassmarket.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading The Estates of Scotland were considering the verdict of Tweeddale’s commission; the verdict pronouncing in measured language that a bloody murder had been committed three years ago upon the Macdonalds of Glencoe, and that the entire cause of this slaughter rested with the letters of the Master of Stair.

yieldingadjectiveUS /ˈjiːldɪŋ/

inclined to yield to argument or influence or control

From this reading THE LIE ACCOMPLISHED It was toward the end of June; the commissioners had produced their report on the Glencoe affair, yielding to the public demand to behold their conclusions before the pleasure of the absent King was taken.

Chapter 30 of The Master of Stair by Marjorie Bowen holds 119 sentences, grouped into 24 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 30 of The Master of Stair contain?

Chapter 30 holds 119 sentences of The Master of Stair, unabridged, divided into 24 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 30 of The Master of Stair by Marjorie Bowen exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 119 sentences, grouped into 24 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 30 of The Master of Stair?

Work through the 24 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 24 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 30 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 30 can be played aloud in United States English.

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

Questions about reading The Master of Stair

Common questions about reading The Master of Stair by Marjorie Bowen on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Master of Stair?

Yes. All 5828 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #49979 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Master of Stair is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #49979, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Master of Stair take to read?

About 485 minutes of reading across 1166 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Master of Stair section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 32 chapters of The Master of Stair to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in The Master of Stair

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

Marjorie
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Master of Stair; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Bowen
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Master of Stair; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Master of Stair; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Viper
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Master of Stair; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.