Chapter XXV · Chapter 25

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

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

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

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

aimlessly drifting

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

(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 By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

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

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

past form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

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

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

formed or made thin by hammering

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

for the reason that

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

next to; at the side of

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

superlative of “bold” — fearless and daring

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

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

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

make calm or still

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

past form of “chance” — be the case by chance

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

make overcast or cloudy

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

any shape resembling the curved shape of the moon in its first or last quarters

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

plural of “crevice” — a long narrow depression in a surface

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

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

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

moving toward the east

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

apart from; not including

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

the face or front of a building

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

to the greatest distance in space or time (“farthest” is used more often than “furthest” in this physical sense)

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

set up or found

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

the withdrawal of heat to change something from a liquid to a solid

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

past form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

the outside boundary or surface of something

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

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

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

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

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

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

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

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

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

ice resembling a pendent spear, formed by the freezing of dripping water

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

plural of “icicle” — ice resembling a pendent spear, formed by the freezing of dripping water

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

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

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

a body of water cut off from a larger body by a reef of sand or coral

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

immediately past

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

march in a procession

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading THE MARRIAGE SCENE.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

not any; not one

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

of a white the color of pearls

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading THE MARRIAGE SCENE.

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

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

-ing form of “shelve” — hold back to a later time

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

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

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

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

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

having a sharp inclination

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

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

From this reading THE MARRIAGE SCENE.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

measuring instrument for measuring temperature

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

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

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

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

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

the upper part of anything

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

in the direction of

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading He had ridden far, following out of aimless curiosity the track that had been beaten on the side of the bay to this farthest island.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

An arched structure of masonry forming a ceiling, or a secure subterranean storage room.

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

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

From this reading By riding across the small lagoon that lay beside Cloud Island to the inward side of the bay, and then eastward some twelve miles toward an island that was little frequented, the last of the chain on this horn of the crescent, one came under the highest and boldest facade of cliffs that was to be found in all that group.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

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

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

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

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was here that Caius chanced to wander one calm mild day in early March, mild because the thermometer stood at less than 30 deg. below the freezing point, and a light vault of pearly cloud shut in the earth from the heaven, and seemed, by way of contrast with other days, to keep it warm.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading It was a new road for him; he had never attempted it before; and no sooner had he got within good sight of the land, than his interest was wholly attracted by the cliffs, which, shelving somewhat outward at the top, and having all their sides very steep and smooth, were, except for a few crevices of ice, or an outward hanging icicle, or here and there a fringe of icicles, entirely free from snow and ice.