Chapter I

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

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

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

regarded with admiration

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

give heed

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

(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 There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

more than enough in size or scope or capacity

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

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

From this reading THE ROMANTIC SCOTTISH BALLADS: THEIR EPOCH AND AUTHORSHIP.

the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

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

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

the act of distributing something to designated places or persons

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

excessively forward

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

achieved or reached

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

plural of “attribute” — a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

the act of creating written works

From this reading THE ROMANTIC SCOTTISH BALLADS: THEIR EPOCH AND AUTHORSHIP.

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

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

a narrative song with a recurrent refrain

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

plural of “ballad” — a narrative song with a recurrent refrain

From this reading THE ROMANTIC SCOTTISH BALLADS: THEIR EPOCH AND AUTHORSHIP.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

plural of “beauty” — the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

a line that indicates a boundary

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

for the most part

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

plural of “composition” — the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

include or contain; have as a component

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

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

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

the specified day of the month

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

refined and tasteful in appearance or behavior or style

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event

From this reading THE ROMANTIC SCOTTISH BALLADS: THEIR EPOCH AND AUTHORSHIP.

communicated in words

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

usually; as a rule

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

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

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

-ing form of “imply” — express or state indirectly

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

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

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

plural of “instance” — an occurrence of something

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

belonging to a thing by its very nature

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

-ing form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

in the recent past

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

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 So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

plural of “merit” — any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

plural of “minstrel” — a singer of folk songs

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

a troupe of minstrels

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

become technologically advanced

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

changed in form or character

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

on one occasion

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

and nothing more

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

possessive form of “percy” — United States writer whose novels explored human alienation (1916-1990)

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

plural of “poem” — a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

of or relating to poetry

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

literature in metrical form

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

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

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

The action or process of reforming an institution, practice, or individual's character.

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts

From this reading THE ROMANTIC SCOTTISH BALLADS: THEIR EPOCH AND AUTHORSHIP.

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

possessive form of “scott” — award-winning United States film actor (1928-1999)

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

the dialect of English used in Scotland

From this reading THE ROMANTIC SCOTTISH BALLADS: THEIR EPOCH AND AUTHORSHIP.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

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

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

plural of “speculation” — a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

in regular succession without gaps

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

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

From this reading THE ROMANTIC SCOTTISH BALLADS: THEIR EPOCH AND AUTHORSHIP.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE ROMANTIC SCOTTISH BALLADS: THEIR EPOCH AND AUTHORSHIP.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

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

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

under normal conditions

From this reading I advert particularly to what are usually called the Romantic Ballads, a class of compositions felt to contain striking beauties, almost peculiar to themselves, and consequently held as implying extraordinary poetical attributes in former generations of the people of this country.

precisely as stated

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

migratory

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

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

From this reading There have been many speculations about the history of these poems, all assigning them a considerable antiquity, and generally assuming that their recital was once the special business of a set of wandering _conteurs_ or minstrels.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Percy's _Reliques of Ancient English Poetry_, 1765; David Herd's _Scottish Songs_, 1769; Scott's _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_, 1802; and Jamieson's _Popular Ballads and Songs_, 1806, have been chiefly the means of making us acquainted with what is believed to be the ancient traditionary ballad literature of Scotland; and this literature, from its intrinsic merits, has attained a very great fame.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading So lately as 1858, my admired friend, Professor Aytoun, in introducing a collection of them, at once ample and elegant, to the world, expressed his belief that they date at least from before the Reformation, having only been modified by successive reciters, so as to modernise the language, and, in some instances, bring in the ideas of later ages.