used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
(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 Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
amuletsnounUS /ˈæmjələts/
plural of “amulet” — a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
annualadjectiveUS /ˈænjuːəl/
completing its life cycle within a year
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
breadthnounUS /bredθ/
the capacity to understand a broad range of topics
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
make calm or still
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
CladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
coinsnounUS /kɔɪnz/
plural of “coin” — a flat metal piece (usually a disc) used as money
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
conjurations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
crepenounUS /kreɪp/
paper with a crinkled texture; usually colored and used for decorations
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
although something is true; in spite of
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
embroideredverbUS /emˈbrɔɪdərd/
past form of “embroider” — decorate with needlework
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
EmpirenounUS /ˈempaɪər/
the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
fanverbUS /fæn/
strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
festaladjective
offering fun and gaiety
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
fondlyadverbUS /ˈfɑːndli/
with fondness; with love
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
gapingadjectiveUS /ˈɡeɪpɪŋ/
with the mouth wide open as in wonder or awe
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
genii
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
destroyed or killed
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
an opening into or through something
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
inhabitingverbUS /ɪnˈhæbətɪŋ/
-ing form of “inhabit” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
fasten with a lock
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
moonbeamnounUS /ˈmuːnbiːm/
a ray of moonlight
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
mourningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
not any; not one
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
placidadjectiveUS /ˈplæsəd/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
priestsnounUS /priːsts/
plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
past form of “print” — put into print
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
propitiousadjectiveUS /prəˈpɪʃəs/
presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
satinnounUS /ˈsætən/
a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
shimmeringverbUS /ˈʃɪmərɪŋ/
-ing form of “shimmer” — shine with a weak or fitful light
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
soothsayersnounUS /ˌsuːθˈseɪərz/
plural of “soothsayer” — someone who makes predictions of the future (usually on the basis of special knowledge)
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
not in physical motion
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
a lightweight cord
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
Tuen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
Tung-li
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
ViceroynounUS /ˈvaɪsrɔɪ/
governor of a country or province who rules as the representative of his or her king or sovereign
From this reading Before the festal day arrived, however, the home of the Viceroy became a house of mourning, for the little Tung-li lay dead.
wanderverbUS /ˈwɑːndər/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
migratory
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
which person or people
From this reading Clad in shimmering satin and embroidered crepe, a fan in one hand and in the other a printed prayer, he lay all cold and calm upon the floor, and in the roof above him was a gaping hole made to allow the spirits inhabiting his body to escape, and through it had crept a wandering moonbeam that fell upon his placid face, and gave him the look of one who slept.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading It was now winter, and throughout the length and breadth of the vast Empire preparations were being made for the annual holiday.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Despite prayers and amulets, the propitious words of the soothsayers, and the conjurations of the priests, "he had gone to wander among the genii," still wearing locked around his neck the string of coins it had been fondly hoped would lock him fast to life.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
yamen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as months went by and she heard of no one having offered to purchase her, Tuen forgot her fears, and came to think that she would always live in the yamen.
