10
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
1749
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 1749.
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
how long something has existed
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading What though the footsteps of my devious Muse The measured walks of Grecian art refuse?
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
bards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
BEENauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
blissfuladjectiveUS /ˈblɪsfəl/
completely happy and contented
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
bowersnounUS /ˈbaʊərz/
plural of “bower” — a framework that supports climbing plants
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
an assertion of a right (as to money or property)
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
COMEDIANSnounUS /kəˈmiːdiənz/
plural of “comedian” — a professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
country'snounUS /ˈkʌntriz/
possessive form of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
deignverbUS /deɪn/
do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
deviousadjectiveUS /ˈdiːviəs/
indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading
From this reading What though the footsteps of my devious Muse The measured walks of Grecian art refuse?
discerningadjectiveUS /dɪˈsɜːrnɪŋ/
having or revealing keen insight and good judgment
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
elegancenounUS /ˈeləɡəns/
a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
embracedverbUS /emˈbreɪst/
past form of “embrace” — include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
fanciesnounUS /ˈfænsiz/
plural of “fancy” — something many people believe that is false
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading What though the footsteps of my devious Muse The measured walks of Grecian art refuse?
of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
foundernounUS /ˈfaʊndər/
inflammation of the laminated tissue that attaches the hoof to the foot of a horse
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
GrecianadjectiveUS /ˈɡriːʃən/
of or relating to or characteristic of Greece or the Greeks or the Greek language
From this reading What though the footsteps of my devious Muse The measured walks of Grecian art refuse?
HAVEauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
homelyadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊmli/
lacking in physical beauty or proportion
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading ODE I.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
InstructiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌktɪv/
serving to instruct or enlighten or inform
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
IntentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
laurelnounUS /ˈlɔːrəl/
any of various aromatic trees of the laurel family
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
Lo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
measuredadjectiveUS /ˈmeʒərd/
having notes of fixed rhythmic value
From this reading What though the footsteps of my devious Muse The measured walks of Grecian art refuse?
MusenounUS /mjuːz/
in ancient Greek mythology any of 9 daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne; protector of an art or science
From this reading What though the footsteps of my devious Muse The measured walks of Grecian art refuse?
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
ODEnounUS /oʊd/
a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
From this reading ODE I.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
proudlyadverbUS /ˈpraʊdli/
with pride; in a proud manner
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
show unwillingness towards
From this reading What though the footsteps of my devious Muse The measured walks of Grecian art refuse?
regardfuladjective
showing deference
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
REMONSTRANCEnoun
the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
rewardsnounUS /rɪˈwɔːrdz/
plural of “reward” — a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
rivalsnounUS /ˈraɪvəlz/
plural of “rival” — the contestant you hope to defeat
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
sagesnounUS /ˈseɪdʒɪz/
plural of “sage” — a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
SHAKSPEARE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
Shakspeare's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
spurnverbUS /spɜːrn/
reject with contempt
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
SUBSCRIPTIONnounUS /səbˈskrɪpʃən/
a payment for consecutive issues of a newspaper or magazine for a given period of time
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
required or under orders
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
tendsverbUS /tendz/
third-person singular of “tend” — have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
THEATRE-ROYAL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading What though the footsteps of my devious Muse The measured walks of Grecian art refuse?
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
toilsnounUS /tɔɪlz/
plural of “toil” — productive work (especially physical work done for wages)
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
unblemish'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
walksnounUS /wɔːks/
plural of “walk” — the act of traveling by foot
From this reading What though the footsteps of my devious Muse The measured walks of Grecian art refuse?
WEREauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
in or at the place that
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
WHILEconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading THE REMONSTRANCE OF SHAKSPEARE: SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE-ROYAL, WHILE THE FRENCH COMEDIANS WERE ACTING BY SUBSCRIPTION.
an old word meaning “to where”
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
wreathnounUS /riːθ/
flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
but in spite of that
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading If, yet regardful of your native land, Old Shakspeare's tongue you deign to understand, Lo, from the blissful bowers where heaven rewards Instructive sages and unblemish'd bards, I come, the ancient founder of the stage, Intent to learn, in this discerning age, What form of wit your fancies have embraced, And whither tends your elegance of taste, That thus at length our homely toils you spurn, That thus to foreign scenes you proudly turn, 10 That from my brow the laurel wreath you claim To crown the rivals of your country's fame.
