used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
abbeynounUS /ˈæbi/
a church associated with a monastery or convent
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
abbotnounUS /ˈæbət/
the superior of an abbey of monks
From this reading The lord of the castle harried the abbot and his brethren.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
adjoiningverbUS /əˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The abbot promptly retaliated by launching, in the name of the Church, the dread ban of excommunication against the freebooter.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
banverbUS /bæn/
forbid the public distribution of ( a movie or a newspaper)
From this reading The abbot promptly retaliated by launching, in the name of the Church, the dread ban of excommunication against the freebooter.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
brethrennounUS /ˈbreðrən/
(plural) the lay members of a male religious order
From this reading The lord of the castle harried the abbot and his brethren.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading CASTLE PERILOUS.
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading The abbot promptly retaliated by launching, in the name of the Church, the dread ban of excommunication against the freebooter.
claimedverbUS /kleɪmd/
past form of “claim” — assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
decayedadjectiveUS /dəˈkeɪd/
damaged by decay; hence unsound and useless
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
desirousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəs/
having or expressing desire for something
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
doubtfullyadverb
in a doubtful manner
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading The abbot promptly retaliated by launching, in the name of the Church, the dread ban of excommunication against the freebooter.
embattledadjectiveUS /emˈbætəld/
(of a person) beset by difficulties or conflict
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
excommunicationnounUS /ˌekskəmjuːnəˈkeɪʃən/
the state of being excommunicated
From this reading The abbot promptly retaliated by launching, in the name of the Church, the dread ban of excommunication against the freebooter.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
fluctuatingadjectiveUS /ˈflʌktʃəweɪtɪŋ/
having unpredictable ups and downs
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
freebooternoun
someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)
From this reading The abbot promptly retaliated by launching, in the name of the Church, the dread ban of excommunication against the freebooter.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
harriedadjectiveUS /ˈherid/
troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
From this reading The lord of the castle harried the abbot and his brethren.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The lord of the castle harried the abbot and his brethren.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
Hugh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
John'snounUS /dʒɑːnz/
possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
launchingnounUS /ˈlɔːntʃɪŋ/
the act of moving a newly built vessel into the water for the first time
From this reading The abbot promptly retaliated by launching, in the name of the Church, the dread ban of excommunication against the freebooter.
leasenounUS /liːs/
property that is leased or rented out or let
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading The lord of the castle harried the abbot and his brethren.
manufacturingnounUS /ˌmænjəˈfæktʃərɪŋ/
the act of making something (a product) from raw materials
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The abbot promptly retaliated by launching, in the name of the Church, the dread ban of excommunication against the freebooter.
neighboursnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/
plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
PERILOUSadjectiveUS /ˈperələs/
fraught with danger
From this reading CASTLE PERILOUS.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
with little or no delay
From this reading The abbot promptly retaliated by launching, in the name of the Church, the dread ban of excommunication against the freebooter.
something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
retaliatedverbUS /rɪˈtælieɪtɪd/
past form of “retaliate” — take revenge for a perceived wrong
From this reading The abbot promptly retaliated by launching, in the name of the Church, the dread ban of excommunication against the freebooter.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
touristnounUS /ˈtʊrəst/
someone who travels for pleasure
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
treacherousadjectiveUS /ˈtretʃərəs/
dangerously unstable and unpredictable
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In one corner of the property of Hugh John's father stood an ancient castle--somewhat doubtfully of it, however, for it was claimed as public property by the adjoining abbey town, now much decayed and fallen from its high estate, but desirous of a new lease of life as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
which person or people
From this reading The castle and the abbey had for centuries been jealous neighbours, treacherous friends, embattled enemies according to the fluctuating power of those who possessed them.
