Chapter XXVIII

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

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

of or relating to the nations of Africa or their peoples

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

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 By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

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

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

plural of “ankle” — a gliding joint between the distal ends of the tibia and fibula and the proximal end of the talus

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

plural of “approach” — ideas or actions intended to deal with a problem or situation

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

plural of “apron” — a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

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

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

a member of an uncivilized people

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

plural of “black” — the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

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

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

plural of “bracelet” — a band of cloth or leather or metal links attached to a wristwatch and wrapped around the wrist

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading They are called _griots_, and their wives _griotes_.

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

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

plural of “charm” — attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

a band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

plural of “covering” — a natural object that covers or envelops

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

third-person singular of “exist” — have an existence, be extant

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

firmly closed or secured

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

start firing a weapon

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

a republic in central Europe; split into East Germany and West Germany after World War II and reunited in 1990

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

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

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

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

From this reading They are called _griots_, and their wives _griotes_.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

a creation spoken or written or composed extemporaneously (without prior preparation)

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

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

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

a domain in which something is dominant

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

provided with artificial light

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

obsolete terms for legal insanity

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

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

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

plural of “minstrel” — a singer of folk songs

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

plural of “neck” — the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

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

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

on one occasion

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

past form of “ornament” — make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

by chance

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

literature in metrical form

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

Identical; not different.

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

the underside of footwear or a golf club

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

(of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

natural abilities or qualities

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

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

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

in or at that place or location

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

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

From this reading They are called _griots_, and their wives _griotes_.

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

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

plural of “toe” — one of the digits of the foot

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

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

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

having a variety of colors

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

migratory

From this reading These unhappy creatures, wandering from one African kingdom to another, are in these barbarian countries looked upon in the same light as the _minstrels_ of England, the _minnesingers_ of Germany, and the _troubadours_ of France.

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

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

past form of “weigh” — have a certain weight

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading By the numerous bracelets of blue, red, and violet glass which ornamented their arms and ankles, by the rings which weighed down their ears and adorned their toes and fingers, by the amulets on their bosoms and the collar of charms suspended round their necks, and by the aprons of variegated feathers which were their sole coverings, I at once recognized them as _griotes_.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading A GROUP of negresses came near the tree to which I was fastened, and lit a fire.

in the company of; together with

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.

plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading They are called _griots_, and their wives _griotes_.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading You are perhaps ignorant that amongst the African blacks there exists a certain class with a rude talent for poetry and improvisation, which approaches closely to madness.