used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
abbeynounUS /ˈæbi/
a church associated with a monastery or convent
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
alleysnounUS /ˈæliz/
plural of “alley” — a narrow street with walls on both sides
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
arbours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
beesnounUS /biːz/
plural of “bee” — any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
carvenadjective
made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
commodiousadjectiveUS /kəˈmoʊdiəs/
large and roomy (“convenient” is archaic in this sense)
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
containverbUS /kənˈteɪn/
include or contain; have as a component
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
cookerynoun
the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
DanielnounUS /ˈdænjəl/
(Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC)
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
Daniel'snounUS /ˈdænjəlz/
possessive form of “daniel” — (Old Testament) a youth who was taken into the court of Nebuchadnezzar and given divine protection when thrown into a den of lions (6th century BC)
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
eclipsedverbUS /ɪˈklɪpst/
past form of “eclipse” — be greater in significance than
From this reading Sir Daniel, in his profusion, in the gaiety and gallantry of his establishment, rivalled with Lord Shoreby and eclipsed Lord Risingham.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
establishmentnounUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃmənt/
the act of forming or establishing something
From this reading Sir Daniel, in his profusion, in the gaiety and gallantry of his establishment, rivalled with Lord Shoreby and eclipsed Lord Risingham.
divisible by two
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
framedadjectiveUS /freɪmd/
provided with a frame
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
fruit-trees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
gaietynoun
a gay feeling
From this reading Sir Daniel, in his profusion, in the gaiety and gallantry of his establishment, rivalled with Lord Shoreby and eclipsed Lord Risingham.
gallantrynounUS /ˈɡæləntri/
the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)
From this reading Sir Daniel, in his profusion, in the gaiety and gallantry of his establishment, rivalled with Lord Shoreby and eclipsed Lord Risingham.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Sir Daniel, in his profusion, in the gaiety and gallantry of his establishment, rivalled with Lord Shoreby and eclipsed Lord Risingham.
hivenounUS /haɪv/
a teeming multitude
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
horse-shoe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
hubbubnounUS /ˈhʌbəb/
loud confused noise from many sources
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
instrumentsnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənts/
plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading Sir Daniel, in his profusion, in the gaiety and gallantry of his establishment, rivalled with Lord Shoreby and eclipsed Lord Risingham.
low-pitchedadjective
used of sounds and voices; low in pitch or frequency
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
minstrelsnounUS /ˈmɪnstrəlz/
plural of “minstrel” — a singer of folk songs
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
oaknounUS /oʊk/
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
over-looked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
a human being
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
pinchverbUS /pɪntʃ/
squeeze tightly between the fingers
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
plasteredadjectiveUS /ˈplæstərd/
(of hair) made smooth by applying a sticky or glossy substance
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
playersnounUS /ˈpleɪərz/
plural of “player” — a person who participates in or is skilled at some game
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
profusionnounUS /prəˈfjuːʒən/
the property of being extremely abundant
From this reading Sir Daniel, in his profusion, in the gaiety and gallantry of his establishment, rivalled with Lord Shoreby and eclipsed Lord Risingham.
inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
residencenounUS /ˈrezɪdəns/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
retinuenounUS /ˈretənuː/
the group following and attending to some important person
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
Risingham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sir Daniel, in his profusion, in the gaiety and gallantry of his establishment, rivalled with Lord Shoreby and eclipsed Lord Risingham.
rivalled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sir Daniel, in his profusion, in the gaiety and gallantry of his establishment, rivalled with Lord Shoreby and eclipsed Lord Risingham.
roaredverbUS /rɔːrd/
past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
Shoreby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
term of address for a man
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
thatchnounUS /θætʃ/
hair resembling thatched roofing material
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
in or at that place or location
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading To the back there stretched a garden, full of fruit-trees, alleys, and thick arbours, and over-looked from the far end by the tower of the abbey church.
tumblersnounUS /ˈtʌmblərz/
plural of “tumbler” — a gymnast who performs rolls and somersaults and twists etc.
From this reading The court rang with arms and horse-shoe iron; the kitchen roared with cookery like a bees'-hive; minstrels, and the players of instruments, and the cries of tumblers, sounded from the hall.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "IN MINE ENEMIES' HOUSE" Sir Daniel's residence in Shoreby was a tall, commodious, plastered mansion, framed in carven oak, and covered by a low-pitched roof of thatch.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The house might contain, upon a pinch, the retinue of a greater person than Sir Daniel; but even now it was filled with hubbub.