Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

troubled emotionally and usually deeply

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Then happened what all these millenniums had never witnessed.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

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

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

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

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

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

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

have

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

the mountain range in Caucasia between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea that forms part of the traditional border between Europe and Asia

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

a period of 100 years

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

relating to or characteristic of Christianity

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

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

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

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

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

plural of “convulsion” — a sudden uncontrollable attack

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

a steep rugged rock or cliff

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

past form of “creak” — make a high-pitched, screeching noise

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

the specified day of the month

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

possessive form of “eagle” — any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

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

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

at any time

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

opinion or judgment

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

third-person singular of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

plural of “fan” — a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

following the third position; number four in a countable series

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

having brief brilliant points or flashes of light

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

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

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

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

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Then happened what all these millenniums had never witnessed.

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

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

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

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

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

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

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

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

not subject to the control of the will

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

held up in the air

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

for the most time

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

characterized by grandeur

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

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

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

dignified manner or conduct

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

plural of “millennium” — a span of 1000 years

From this reading Then happened what all these millenniums had never witnessed.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

subject to death

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

expressing sorrow

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

an instance of becoming narrow

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Then happened what all these millenniums had never witnessed.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

fully extended especially in length

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

a feeling of evil to come

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

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

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

plural of “rivet” — ornament consisting of a circular rounded protuberance (as on a vault or shield or belt)

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

the work of a sailor

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

a high-pitched noise resembling a human cry

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

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

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

inflected form of “shrink” — wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

used of milk and milk products from which the cream has been removed

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

above or beyond the human or demanding more than human power or endurance

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

final or last in your life or progress

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

(of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

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

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then happened what all these millenniums had never witnessed.

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

From this reading Then happened what all these millenniums had never witnessed.

plural of “thousand” — the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

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

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading Truth fails not, but her outward forms that bear The longest date do melt like frosty rime.

possessive form of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

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

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Then happened what all these millenniums had never witnessed.

at the time that

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.

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

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

belonging to which person

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading The eagle’s screech clanged on the wind, as with outstretched neck he stooped earthward in ever narrowing circles; his huge quills already creaked in his victim’s ears, whose flesh crept and shrank, and involuntary convulsions agitated his hands and feet.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A human figure—or it might be superhuman, for his mien seemed more than mortal—lifted from the crag, to which he hung suspended by massy gyves and rivets, eyes mournful with the presentiment of pain.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading Then happened what all these millenniums had never witnessed.

a late time of life

From this reading The fourth Christian century was far past its meridian, when, high above the summit of the supreme peak of Caucasus, a magnificent eagle came sailing on broad fans into the blue, and his shadow skimmed the glittering snow as it had done day by day for thousands of years.