used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
acrobaticadjectiveUS /ˌækrəˈbætɪk/
vigorously active
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
AlexianounUS /əˈleksiə/
inability to perceive written words
From this reading Alexia knew this, and persuaded her husband to join with her in sanctioning the humble show.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
comediansnounUS /kəˈmiːdiənz/
plural of “comedian” — a professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
comparedverbUS /kəmˈperd/
past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
conjureverbUS /ˈkɑːndʒər/
summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
crudeadjectiveUS /kruːd/
not carefully or expertly made
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
wanted intensely
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
districtsnounUS /ˈdɪstrɪkts/
plural of “district” — a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
farcenounUS /fɑːrs/
a comedy characterized by broad satire and improbable situations
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
featsnounUS /fiːts/
plural of “feat” — a notable achievement
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
obtain
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
the act of giving
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Alexia knew this, and persuaded her husband to join with her in sanctioning the humble show.
Herriard's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
low or inferior in station or quality
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading Alexia knew this, and persuaded her husband to join with her in sanctioning the humble show.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
interspersedverbUS /ˌɪntərˈspɜːrst/
past form of “intersperse” — place at intervals in or among
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
become part of; become a member of a group or organization
From this reading Alexia knew this, and persuaded her husband to join with her in sanctioning the humble show.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Alexia knew this, and persuaded her husband to join with her in sanctioning the humble show.
kreutzers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
livelihoodnounUS /ˈlaɪvlihʊd/
the financial means whereby one lives
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
medleynounUS /ˈmedli/
a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
melodramanounUS /ˈmelədrɑːmə/
an extravagant comedy in which action is more salient than characterization
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
monotonynounUS /məˈnɑːtəni/
the quality of wearisome constancy, routine, and lack of variety
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
as might be expected
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
pantomimists
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
peasantsnounUS /ˈpezənts/
plural of “peasant” — a country person
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
approval to do something
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
persuadedverbUS /pərˈsweɪdɪd/
past form of “persuade” — win approval or support for
From this reading Alexia knew this, and persuaded her husband to join with her in sanctioning the humble show.
playersnounUS /ˈpleɪərz/
plural of “player” — a person who participates in or is skilled at some game
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
PORTENTnounUS /ˈpɔːrtent/
a sign of something about to happen
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
precariousadjectiveUS /priˈkeriəs/
affording no ease or reassurance
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/
located far away spatially
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
ruraladjectiveUS /ˈrʊrəl/
living in or characteristic of farming or country life
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
sanctioningadjectiveUS /ˈsæŋkʃənɪŋ/
implying sanction or serving to sanction
From this reading Alexia knew this, and persuaded her husband to join with her in sanctioning the humble show.
Schloss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Alexia knew this, and persuaded her husband to join with her in sanctioning the humble show.
the act of singing vocal music
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
strollingverbUS /ˈstroʊlɪŋ/
-ing form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Alexia knew this, and persuaded her husband to join with her in sanctioning the humble show.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
thriftyadjectiveUS /ˈθrɪfti/
careful and diligent in the use of resources
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
toilverbUS /tɔɪl/
work hard
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A PORTENT One evening the monotony of the Herriard’s delightful existence under the shadow of the grey old Schloss was broken by the appearance of a company of poor strolling players.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
at the time that
From this reading To gain permission for a short performance at a great house naturally was, when such an opportunity presented itself, much to be desired.
which person or people
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They were, it appeared, a band of humble comedians and pantomimists who, in the more rural and remote districts, went from village to village, to gain a precarious livelihood by giving a crude medley of melodrama and farce, interspersed with singing and acrobatic feats.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading It meant probably less work for a greater reward, compared with the two or three hours’ toil, required to conjure kreutzers from the thrifty peasants’ pockets.
