used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
AbbotnounUS /ˈæbət/
the superior of an abbey of monks
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
AlexandernounUS /ˌæləɡˈzændər/
European herb somewhat resembling celery widely naturalized in Britain coastal regions and often cultivated as a potherb
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
artsnounUS /ɑːrts/
studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
BattlesnounUS /ˈbætəlz/
plural of “battle” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
BrucenounUS /bruːs/
Australian physician and bacteriologist who described the bacterium that causes undulant fever or brucellosis (1855-1931)
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
Bute
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
controllingadjectiveUS /kənˈtroʊlɪŋ/
able to control or determine policy
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
counsellorsnounUS /ˈkaʊnsələrz/
plural of “counsellor” — someone who has supervisory duties at a summer camp
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
disciplinenounUS /ˈdɪsəplən/
a branch of knowledge
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
disposalnounUS /dɪˈspoʊzəl/
the power to use something or someone
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
fightsnounUS /faɪts/
plural of “fight” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
forethoughtnounUS /ˈfɔːrθɔːt/
planning or plotting in advance of acting
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
generalshipnounUS /ˈdʒenərəlʃɪp/
the leadership ability of a military general
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
IIInoun
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
inexperiencedadjectiveUS /ɪnɪkˈspɪriənst/
lacking practical experience or training
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
invadernounUS /ˌɪnˈveɪdər/
someone who enters by force in order to conquer
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
Kenric
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
a boy or man
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
the force of workers available
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
being nothing more than specified
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
methodsnounUS /ˈmeθədz/
plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
not any; not one
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
OscarnounUS /ˈɔːskər/
an annual award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievements in motion picture production and performance
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
preconcertedadjective
previously arranged or agreed on
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
qualifiedadjectiveUS /ˈkwɑːləfaɪd/
meeting the proper standards and requirements and training for an office or position or task
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
Redmain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
reignverbUS /reɪn/
have sovereign power
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/
located far away spatially
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
repelverbUS /rɪˈpel/
cause to move back by force or influence
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
ScotsnounUS /skɑːts/
the dialect of English used in Scotland
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
seventeenadjectiveUS /ˈsevənˈtiːn/
being one more than sixteen
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
siegenounUS /siːdʒ/
the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
term of address for a man
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
not in physical motion
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
Thurstan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
unitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
unmilitaryadjective
not associated with soldiers or the military
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
WallacenounUS /ˈwɔːləs/
Scottish insurgent who led the resistance to Edward I; in 1297 he gained control of Scotland briefly until Edward invaded Scotland again and defeated Wallace and subsequently executed him (1270-1305)
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
warfarenounUS /ˈwɔːrfer/
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It were vain to look for good generalship in a time so remote as that of the reign of Alexander III.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading But a lad of seventeen, with no better counsellors than a few peaceful men such as Sir Oscar Redmain and the Abbot Thurstan -- men inexperienced in the arts of war, and ill qualified to repel an invader or hold a castle against a siege -- what could he do?
in the company of; together with
From this reading It may be that Kenric of Bute might, with a little more forethought in the disposal of his forces, have saved his castle from the hands of his enemies.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Battles were little better than mere free fights, without order, without controlling discipline, without preconcerted plan.
but in spite of that
From this reading Wallace and Bruce had not yet appeared to teach the Scots the advantage of united action, and the methods of warfare were still of an unmilitary kind.
