10
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
15
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
20
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
25
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
30
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
35
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
5
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
AboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
highly skilled
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
AdornedadjectiveUS /əˈdɔːrnd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
(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 The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
archernounUS /ˈɑːrtʃər/
a person who is expert in the use of a bow and arrow
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
artfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːrtfəl/
not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
fearless and daring
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
boughsnounUS /baʊz/
plural of “bough” — any of the larger branches of a tree
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
terminate
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
uttered without voice
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
brooknounUS /brʊk/
a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
CotnounUS /kɑːt/
a sheath worn to protect a finger
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
CreepverbUS /kriːp/
move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
placed crosswise
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
dennounUS /den/
the habitation of wild animals
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
dwellingnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋ/
housing that someone is living in
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
an old word for “before”
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
steadfast in affection or allegiance
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
far-stretching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
fowler'snounUS /ˈfaʊlərz/
possessive form of “fowler” — English lexicographer who wrote a well-known book on English usage (1858-1933)
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
healthfuladjectiveUS /ˈhelθfəl/
conducive to good health of body or mind
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
Heart-soothed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
not solid; having a space or gap or cavity
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
ImperviousadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɜːrviəs/
not admitting of passage or capable of being affected
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
intrusionnounUS /ˌɪnˈtruːʒən/
any entry into an area not previously occupied
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
IslenounUS /aɪl/
a small island
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
marshnounUS /mɑːrʃ/
low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
midwayadjectiveUS /ˈmɪdweɪ/
equally distant from the extremes
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
morassnounUS /mərˈæs/
a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
mouldsnounUS /moʊldz/
plural of “mould” — loose soil rich in organic matter
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
murmuringnounUS /ˈmɜːrmərɪŋ/
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
nature'snounUS /ˈneɪtʃərz/
possessive form of “nature” — the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
nooknounUS /nʊk/
a sheltered and secluded place
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
noon-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
painsnounUS /peɪnz/
an effortful attempt to attain a goal
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
pine-trees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
plannedadjectiveUS /plænd/
designed or carried out according to a plan
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
pliedverbUS /plaɪd/
inflected form of “ply” — give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
Power'snounUS /ˈpaʊərz/
possessive form of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
free of extraneous elements of any kind
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
quakingverbUS /ˈkweɪkɪŋ/
-ing form of “quake” — shake with fast, tremulous movements
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
RussiannounUS /ˈrʌʃən/
a native or inhabitant of Russia
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
sanctuarynounUS /ˈsæŋk.tʃu.er.i/
A place of safety, refuge, or holy retreat within the academy.
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
secrecynounUS /ˈsiːkrəsi/
the trait of keeping things secret
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
sequesteredadjectiveUS /sɪˈkwestərd/
providing privacy or seclusion
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
shadyadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪdi/
quiet, dark, or concealed
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
shaftnounUS /ʃæft/
a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
get rid of
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
sight-eluding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
slackadjectiveUS /slæk/
not tense or taut
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
express in speech
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
spedverbUS /sped/
inflected form of “speed” — move hurridly
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
stragglingadjective
spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
swampverbUS /swɑːmp/
drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
in or at that place or location
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
thicketsnounUS /ˈθɪkəts/
plural of “thicket” — a dense growth of bushes
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
up to a particular time
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
treacherousadjectiveUS /ˈtretʃərəs/
dangerously unstable and unpredictable
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
twainnounUS /tweɪn/
two items of the same kind
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
uncheckedadjectiveUS /ənˈtʃekt/
not restrained or controlled
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
unquietadjective
characterized by unrest or disorder
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
unsafeadjectiveUS /ənˈseɪf/
lacking in security or safety
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
vassalnounUS /ˈvæsəl/
a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
Wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading And there, sequestered from the sight, Was spread a treacherous swamp, 10 On which the noon-day sun shed light As from a lonely lamp; And midway in the unsafe morass, A single Island rose Of firm dry ground, with healthful grass 15 Adorned, and shady boughs.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
which person or people
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The dwelling of this faithful pair In a straggling village stood, For One who breathed unquiet air A dangerous neighbourhood; But wide around lay forest ground 5 With thickets rough and blind; And pine-trees made a heavy shade Impervious to the wind.
WoodmannounUS /ˈwʊdmən/
someone who lives in the woods
From this reading The Woodman knew, for such the craft This Russian vassal plied, That never fowler's gun, nor shaft Of archer, there was tried; 20 A sanctuary seemed the spot From all intrusion free; And there he planned an artful Cot For perfect secrecy.
the words that are spoken
From this reading His task accomplished to his mind, The twain ere break of day Creep forth, and through the forest wind 35 Their solitary way; Few words they speak, nor dare to slack Their pace from mile to mile, Till they have crossed the quaking marsh, And reached the lonely Isle.
wrennounUS /ren/
English architect who designed more than fifty London churches (1632-1723)
From this reading With earnest pains unchecked by dread 25 Of Power's far-stretching hand, The bold good Man his labour sped At nature's pure command; Heart-soothed, and busy as a wren, While, in a hollow nook, 30 She moulds her sight-eluding den Above a murmuring brook.
