Chapter XIX · The Priestess

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

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

(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 His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

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

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

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

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

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

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

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

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

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

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

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

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

plural of “chief” — a person who is in charge

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

not accessible to view

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

opinion or judgment

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

brought together in one place

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

a small cave (usually with attractive features)

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

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

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

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

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

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

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

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

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

relating to the mood of verbs that is used simple in declarative statements

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

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

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

plural of “moan” — an utterance expressing pain or disapproval

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

used to form the superlative

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

-ing form of “overhang” — project over

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

a human being

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

past form of “range” — change or be different within limits

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

any loose flowing garment

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

express in speech

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

assistance in time of difficulty

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

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

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

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

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

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

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

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

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

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

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

a social division of (usually preliterate) people

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

emit long loud cries

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

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

From this reading It was observed that the Grand High Priest entered and threw himself before the stone of sacrifice in silence.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

at the time that

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

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

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

which person or people

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

in the company of; together with

From this reading His robe was gathered closely to his person, but what was most ominous of all, he had covered his face with the wings of the bat, which totally concealed his features.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The priests of the Androscoggins appeared one by one within this vast temple or grotto which we have described, followed by the ancient chiefs of the tribe, each bearing a symbol indicative of his rank or office.

the words that are spoken

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading At length these words burst from his lips, in a low wail like one who is compelled to speak, when he would choose to be silent:

twisted (especially as in pain or struggle)

From this reading All eyes followed his movements, and all ranged themselves in a circle beneath the overhanging arch; low moans escaped from his breast; he writhed upon the ground, and spread forth his hand as if for succor.