Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

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

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

having life or vigor or spirit

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading They then tore themselves away and the fearful contest began.

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

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

-ing form of “brighten” — make more cheerful through the use of color

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

a quality that outshines the usual

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

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

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

plural of “brother-in-law” — a brother by marriage

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

plural of “captain” — an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

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 Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

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

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

rid of obstructions

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

an engagement fought between two military forces

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants

From this reading They then tore themselves away and the fearful contest began.

(often used in combination) having a specified direction

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

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

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

past form of “embrace” — include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

come together

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

experiencing or showing fear

From this reading They then tore themselves away and the fearful contest began.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

of or relating to a fraternity or society of usually men

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

a flash of light (especially reflected light)

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

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

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

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

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

for more time

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

below the surround or below the normal position

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

used to form the superlative

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

not any; not one

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

comparative of “noble” — impressive in appearance

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

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

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

above your head; in the sky

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

(used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

plural of “shrub” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

plural of “steel” — 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 They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

plural of “sword” — a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

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

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading They then tore themselves away and the fearful contest began.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading They then tore themselves away and the fearful contest began.

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

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

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

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column

From this reading They then tore themselves away and the fearful contest began.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

not having a protective covering

From this reading The two captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each other, ready for the encounter.

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

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.

plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading But before they began the combat a nobler feeling drew them to each other’s arms; they lowered their weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.

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

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

which person or people

From this reading They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each other.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.