Chapter XV

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

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

an administrative unit of government

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

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

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

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

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

past form of “attribute” — attribute or credit to

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

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

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

plural of “brownie” — a junior Girl Scout

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

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

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

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

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

(sometimes followed by “with”) in agreement or consistent or reliable

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

(of light rays) subjected to scattering by reflection from a rough surface or transmission through a translucent material

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

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

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

an earnest and sincere feeling

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

an old word for “before”

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

divisible by two

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

plural of “fairy” — a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

in a faint and feeble manner

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

usually; as a rule

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

plural of “ghost” — a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

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

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

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

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

plural of “hilltop” — the peak of a hill

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

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

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

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

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

the lack of knowledge or education

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

-ing form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

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

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

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

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

lacking zest or vivacity

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

provided with artificial light

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

plural of “notion” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

capable of being perceived; especially capable of being handled or touched or felt

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

furnished with people

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

without much difficulty

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

worried and uneasy

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

the dialect of English used in Scotland

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

the season of growth

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

the rays of the sun

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

supernatural forces and events and beings collectively

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

showing ignorance of the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

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

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

in or at that place or location

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

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

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

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

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

in the direction of

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

plural of “warlock” — a male witch or demon

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

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

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

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

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

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

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Each notion and theory they embrace, however wild and wide of the mark, has been a guess at the truth.

plural of “witch” — a female sorcerer or magician

From this reading Thus it was that the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and even the waters under the earth, became peopled with fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, waterkelpies, warlocks, ghosts, and witches.

in the company of; together with

From this reading HUMOURS OF SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION It is consistent with the earnestness of the Scottish character that, so long as the light of intelligence was but feebly diffused in the land, there should be a strong tendency towards superstitious imagining in the minds of the people.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.

an established custom

From this reading For superstitious notions, be it noted, have not been wont to spring so much out of _listless_ as out of _restless_ ignorance.

but in spite of that

From this reading In the dim days of the Middle Ages, ere yet the sunshine of science had lit the hilltops of our country, whatsoever came within the living experience of the people, and was not palpable to sense, was readily attributed to supernatural agency, good or bad—generally the latter.