Chapter V

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

highly skilled

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

under a curse

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

(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 HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

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

From this reading Only a fitful gleam of altar-fire formed a point of light on which the eye could rest.

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

uttered without voice

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

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

From this reading The broad space surmounting the temple was the dramatic focus of the weird scene.

serving as an essential component

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

recite with musical intonation; recite as a chant or a psalm

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Only a fitful gleam of altar-fire formed a point of light on which the eye could rest.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

suitable to or characteristic of drama

From this reading The broad space surmounting the temple was the dramatic focus of the weird scene.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

the organ of sight

From this reading Only a fitful gleam of altar-fire formed a point of light on which the eye could rest.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

occurring in spells and often abruptly

From this reading Only a fitful gleam of altar-fire formed a point of light on which the eye could rest.

the concentration of attention or energy on something

From this reading The broad space surmounting the temple was the dramatic focus of the weird scene.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

brought together in one place

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

be shiny, as if wet

From this reading Only a fitful gleam of altar-fire formed a point of light on which the eye could rest.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

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

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

heighten or intensify

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

immediately past

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Only a fitful gleam of altar-fire formed a point of light on which the eye could rest.

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

being or having the character of a miracle

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

past form of “moan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

a particular point in time

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

used to form the superlative

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

a large indefinite number

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

Having no name, or having a name that is kept secret or unknown.

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Only a fitful gleam of altar-fire formed a point of light on which the eye could rest.

and nothing more

From this reading Only a fitful gleam of altar-fire formed a point of light on which the eye could rest.

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

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Only a fitful gleam of altar-fire formed a point of light on which the eye could rest.

plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

declare formally; declare someone to be something; of titles

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

enlarge one's holdings on an exchange on a continued rise by using paper profits as margin to buy additional amounts

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Only a fitful gleam of altar-fire formed a point of light on which the eye could rest.

the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading The broad space surmounting the temple was the dramatic focus of the weird scene.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

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

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

final or last in your life or progress

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

-ing form of “surmount” — get on top of; deal with successfully

From this reading The broad space surmounting the temple was the dramatic focus of the weird scene.

place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

a member of the Nahuatl speaking people of central and southern Mexico

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

the topmost one of two

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

having been turned so that the bottom is no longer the bottom

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading About it moaned the spirits of upper air, as though with the voices of the innumerable dead who had breathed their last on that accursed spot.

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading The broad space surmounting the temple was the dramatic focus of the weird scene.

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

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

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

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.

which person or people

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

in the company of; together with

From this reading To the silent multitude who, with upturned faces, were gathered about the temple of their most dreaded god, awaiting the wild chant of priests that should proclaim the sacrifice accomplished, the summit of the lofty pyramid was lost in the pall-like blackness of the heavens.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading HUETZIN'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE At this supreme moment in the life of Huetzin, the young Toltec, the scene, of which he formed the central figure, was of such a character as to inspire a nameless fear in the hearts of all beholders.