used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Yule, or Christmas, was a feast of especial note and observance.
(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 It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
boisterousadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪstərəs/
noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
capaciousadjectiveUS /kəˈpeɪʃəs/
large in capacity
From this reading The mansion of Sir Ralph had, like those of the neighbouring gentry, its lofty and capacious hall.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Yule, or Christmas, was a feast of especial note and observance.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
dependentadjectiveUS /dɪˈpendənt/
relying on or requiring a person or thing for support, supply, or what is needed
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
especialadjectiveUS /əˈspeʃəl/
surpassing what is common or usual or expected
From this reading Yule, or Christmas, was a feast of especial note and observance.
a social unit living together
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
a ceremonial dinner party for many people
From this reading Yule, or Christmas, was a feast of especial note and observance.
festivitiesnounUS /feˈstɪvətiz/
plural of “festivity” — any joyous diversion
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
gallerynounUS /ˈɡæləri/
spectators at a golf or tennis match
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
gentrynounUS /ˈdʒentri/
the most powerful members of a society
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The mansion of Sir Ralph had, like those of the neighbouring gentry, its lofty and capacious hall.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
hospitableadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːˈspɪtəbəl/
favorable to life and growth
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
incommoded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
inviteverbUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪt/
increase the likelihood of
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The mansion of Sir Ralph had, like those of the neighbouring gentry, its lofty and capacious hall.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The mansion of Sir Ralph had, like those of the neighbouring gentry, its lofty and capacious hall.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading The mansion of Sir Ralph had, like those of the neighbouring gentry, its lofty and capacious hall.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
social deportment
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
mansionsnounUS /ˈmæntʃənz/
plural of “mansion” — (astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
mirthnounUS /mɜːrθ/
great merriment
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
mostlyadverbUS /ˈmoʊstli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
neighbouringverbUS /ˈneɪbərɪŋ/
-ing form of “neighbour” — live or be located as a neighbor
From this reading The mansion of Sir Ralph had, like those of the neighbouring gentry, its lofty and capacious hall.
a brief written record
From this reading Yule, or Christmas, was a feast of especial note and observance.
observancenounUS /əbˈzɜːrvəns/
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading Yule, or Christmas, was a feast of especial note and observance.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Yule, or Christmas, was a feast of especial note and observance.
owedverbUS /oʊd/
past form of “owe” — be obliged to pay or repay
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
proprietornounUS /prəˈpraɪətər/
(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
Ralph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The mansion of Sir Ralph had, like those of the neighbouring gentry, its lofty and capacious hall.
recreationnounUS /ˌrekriˈeɪʃən/
an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
rusticadjectiveUS /ˈrʌstɪk/
characteristic of rural life
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
term of address for a man
From this reading The mansion of Sir Ralph had, like those of the neighbouring gentry, its lofty and capacious hall.
spaciousadjectiveUS /ˈspeɪʃəs/
very large in expanse or scope
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
sportsnounUS /spɔːrts/
plural of “sport” — an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
uncouthadjectiveUS /ˈʌnˈkuːθ/
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Yule, or Christmas, was a feast of especial note and observance.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
at the time that
From this reading In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable mansions.
in or at the place that
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
which person or people
From this reading It was the custom to invite all who were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and service.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth and rustic manners of their guests.
YulenounUS /juːl/
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Yule, or Christmas, was a feast of especial note and observance.
