used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
altitudenounUS /ˈæltətuːd/
elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
balconynounUS /ˈbælkəni/
an upper floor projecting from the rear over the main floor in an auditorium
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
blocknounUS /blɑːk/
a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
chambersnounUS /ˈtʃeɪmbərz/
English architect (1723-1796)
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
clothedadjectiveUS /kloʊðd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
commandingadjectiveUS /kəˈmændɪŋ/
used of a height or viewpoint
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
travel across or pass over
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
footingnounUS /ˈfʊtɪŋ/
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
gablesnounUS /ˈɡeɪbəlz/
plural of “gable” — the vertical triangular wall between the sloping ends of gable roof
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
Houran
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
indistinctadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkt/
not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
ivynounUS /ˈaɪvi/
Old World vine with lobed evergreen leaves and black berrylike fruits
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
jaggedadjectiveUS /ˈdʒæɡəd/
having a sharply uneven surface or outline
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
Kinloch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
landscapenounUS /ˈlændskeɪp/
an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
LochnounUS /lɑːk/
a long narrow inlet of the sea in Scotland (especially when it is nearly landlocked)
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
not any; not one
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
held or filled or in use
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
outlinenounUS /ˈaʊtlaɪn/
the line that appears to bound an object
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
outliveverbUS /ˌaʊtˈlɪv/
live longer than
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
a raised horizontal surface
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
respectfullyadverbUS /rɪˈspektfəli/
in a respectful manner
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
rooflessadjective
not having a roof
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
rowers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
destroyed physically or morally
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
cut with a saw
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
seatsnounUS /siːts/
an area that includes places where several people can sit
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
important in effect or meaning
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
plural of “stand” — a support or foundation
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/
closely encircling
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
sustainedadjectiveUS /səˈsteɪnd/
maintained at length without interruption or weakening
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
Symington
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
towersnounUS /ˈtaʊərz/
plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
veilingnounUS /ˈveɪlɪŋ/
a net of transparent fabric with a loose open weave
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
precisely as stated
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading One tower in the centre stood up above the jagged lines of the walls, with something that looked like a ruined balcony or terrace commanding the landscape.
German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading From the water it looked like nothing but a roofless and deserted ruin.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
which person or people
From this reading As the boat approached, Walter saw the rowers whisper, and give significant looks at Symington, who sat respectfully on one of the cross seats, not to put himself in the way of his master, who occupied the other alone.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Kinloch Houran Castle stands out of the very waters of Loch Houran, with its ruined gables and towers clothed with ivy.
but in spite of that
From this reading The outline was indistinct, for the trees that had got footing in the ruined chambers below grew high and wild, veiling the means by which it was sustained at that altitude: but the little platform itself was very visible, surrounding the solid block of the tower, which showed no window or opening, but looked as if it might yet outlive centuries.
