Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

having companions or an escort

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

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

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

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

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

an auxiliary activity

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

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

From this reading "My tale shall be briefly told," said Lanyere.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

for a short time

From this reading "My tale shall be briefly told," said Lanyere.

with brightness

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

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

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

past form of “chance” — be the case by chance

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

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

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

A violent confrontation or disagreement between opposing forces or factions.

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

without stop or interruption

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

past form of “defend” — argue or speak in defense of

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

recovery or preservation from loss or danger

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

twice as great or many

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

by good fortune

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

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

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

in a gallant manner

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

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

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

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

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

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

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

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

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

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

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

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

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

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

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

owing gratitude or recognition to another for help or favors etc

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

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

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

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

From this reading "My tale shall be briefly told," said Lanyere.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

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 Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

used to form the superlative

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

kill intentionally and with premeditation

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "My tale shall be briefly told," said Lanyere.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

plural of “oath” — profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

many times at short intervals

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

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

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

housing available for people to live in

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

free from harm or evil

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

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

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

done under pressure

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "My tale shall be briefly told," said Lanyere.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading "My tale shall be briefly told," said Lanyere.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

term of address for a man

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

people who have been slain (as in battle)

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

with speed

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

inflected form of “swear” — utter obscenities or profanities

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

carry out

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading "My tale shall be briefly told," said Lanyere.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

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

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

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

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

The passage at the back of the mouth.

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

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

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading "My tale shall be briefly told," said Lanyere.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

in the direction of

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

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

From this reading Adventures have not unfrequently occurred to me when so circumstanced, and I have been indebted to my right hand and my good sword for deliverance from many a desperate risk.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

plural of “villain” — a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

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

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

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

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

at the time that

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

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

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

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

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

which person or people

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

(politics) a state of disfavor

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Late one night, I chanced to be in the neighbourhood of Whitefriars, in a place called the Wilderness, when, hearing cries for help, accompanied by the clash of steel, I rushed towards a narrow court, whence the clatter and vociferations resounded, and perceived by the light of the moon, which fortunately happened to be shining brightly at the time, one man engaged with four others, who were evidently bent upon cutting his throat in order to take his purse.

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

From this reading He defended himself gallantly, but the odds were too great, and he must have been speedily slain--for the villains swore with great oaths they would murder him if he continued to resist them--if I had not come to the rescue.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You are aware, Sir Francis, that in the pursuit of my avocation I am often led into the most dangerous quarters of the metropolis, and at hours when the peril to any honest man is doubled.