achieveverbUS /əˈtʃiːv/
to gain with effort
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
having fair knowledge of
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
aloofadjectiveUS /əˈluːf/
remote in manner
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
ambitionsnounUS /æmˈbɪʃənz/
plural of “ambition” — a cherished desire
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
conspiraciesnounUS /kənˈspɪrəsiz/
plural of “conspiracy” — a secret agreement between two or more people to perform an unlawful act
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
direadjectiveUS /daɪr/
fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
distinctionnounUS /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/
a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
efficientadjectiveUS /ɪˈfɪʃənt/
being effective without wasting time or effort or expense
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
entangledadjectiveUS /enˈtæŋɡəld/
deeply involved especially in something complicated
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
divisible by two
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
steadfast in affection or allegiance
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
foretellverbUS /fɔːrˈtel/
foreshadow or presage
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
assemble or get together
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
grizzledadjectiveUS /ˈɡrɪzəld/
having dark hairs mixed with grey or white
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
happeningnounUS /ˈhæpənɪŋ/
an event that happens
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
Henry'snounUS /ˈhenriz/
possessive form of “henry” — a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
instigatorsnounUS /ˈɪnstəɡeɪtərz/
plural of “instigator” — someone who deliberately foments trouble
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
knight'snounUS /naɪts/
possessive form of “knight” — originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
obedientadjectiveUS /oʊˈbiːdiənt/
dutifully complying with the commands or instructions of those in authority
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
and nothing more
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
pertainingverbUS /pərˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “pertain” — be relevant to
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
prophecynounUS /ˈprɒf.ə.si/
A prediction of what will happen in the future, often divinely or magically inspired.
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
remotelyadverbUS /riˈmoʊtli/
in a remote manner
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
RICHARD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
the act of searching for something
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading He had always held carefully aloof from matters pertaining to the more serious business of Henry's court.
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
term of address for a man
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
surmiseverbUS /sərˈmaɪz/
infer from incomplete evidence
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
vaultingnounUS /ˈvɔːltɪŋ/
(architecture) a vaulted structure
From this reading Sir Richard was without vaulting ambitions to achieve distinction or power; had never been entangled in any political movement; or concerned in any conspiracies; or acquainted, so far as he was aware, with the instigators of them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He was unable to surmise even remotely what dire happening it was meant to foretell.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
in the company of; together with
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
withaladverb
despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
From this reading Seeking only to gather the full measure of enjoyment out of life, it had always been his wish, withal, to be regarded as an efficient soldier and faithful and obedient servant of his king.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
worryingnounUS /ˈwɜːriɪŋ/
the act of harassing someone
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
but in spite of that
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
YEWE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading OF HOW SIR RICHARD CAME TO CASTLE YEWE The grizzled knight's prophecy of an evil time yet to come provided the young knight with much material for thought, without, however, worrying him in the least.
