Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

plural of “achievement” — the action of accomplishing something

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

in the past

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

plural of “alteration” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

the descendants of one individual

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

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

From this reading BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.

the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

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

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

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

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as “on behalf of” rather than “in behalf of”)

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

a city in southwestern New Jersey on the Delaware River near Philadelphia

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

the legislature of the United States government

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

someone who is victorious by force of arms

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

reason by deduction; establish by deduction

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

(New Testament) day at the end of time following Armageddon when God will decree the fates of all individual humans according to the good and evil of their earthly lives

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

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

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

the quality of being the same in quantity or measure or value or status

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

a flat protective covering (on a door or wall etc) to prevent soiling by dirty fingers

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

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

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

a social unit living together

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

of or relating to genealogy

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

a man of refinement

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

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

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

foreshadow or presage

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

possessive form of “herald” — (formal) a person who announces important news

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

plural of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

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

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

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

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

freedom from control or influence of another or others

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

written (by handwriting, printing, engraving, or carving) on or in a surface

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

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

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

(Old Testament) son of Noah

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

plural of “limb” — one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

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 Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

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

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

a public toilet for men

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

not any; not one

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

the Hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain; the story of Noah and the flood is told in the Book of Genesis

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

United States operatic soprano (born in 1945)

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

past form of “obscure” — make less visible or unclear

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

relating to time long past

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

the state of being a parent

From this reading BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.

the descendants of one individual

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

plural of “pedigree” — the descendants of one individual

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

markedly new or introducing radical change

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

precisely, exactly

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

evident without proof or argument

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

a protective covering or structure

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

English poet (1554-1586)

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

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

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

a male human offspring

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

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

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

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

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

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

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

past form of “trace” — follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

the act of drawing a plan or diagram or outline

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

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

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

a fact that has been verified

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

precisely as stated

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

plural of “virtue” — the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

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

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

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

From this reading Indeed, as it was long ago remarked by Lord Camden, alterations of sirnames were in former ages so very common, as to have obscured the truth of our pedigrees, so that it is no little labor to deduce many of them.

in or at the place that

From this reading "I am no herald, to inquire of men's pedigrees; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues."--_Sidney._ There being no herald's college in this free and happy country, where equality was declared by the revolutionary congress to be as self-evident as our right to independence, I have no means of tracing the pedigree of my friend for many generations back.

which person or people

From this reading The name was duly inscribed in the Doomsday book of the Norman Conqueror, and had not the limbs of the genealogical tree been broken, it is believed that their ancestry might, nevertheless, have been traced back to a gentleman by the name of Japheth, "who was the son of Noah."

in the company of; together with

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.

but in spite of that

From this reading But, although no crest marks the career of his ancestors, or shield emblazons their escutcheon with mementoes of achievements in arts or in arms; and although I claim not in his behalf, as of the heroes in olden times, "a pedigree that reached to heaven," yet no doubt exists of the antiquity of his family.