used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
how long something has existed
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
Aye
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
beldamenoun
an ugly evil-looking old woman
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
propose a payment
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
Castruccio
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
Cremonanoun
a city in Lombardy on the Po River; noted for the manufacture of fine violins from the 16th to the 18th centuries
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
damenounUS /deɪm/
informal terms for a (young) woman
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
distaffnoun
the sphere of work by women
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
apart from; not including
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
FatesnounUS /feɪts/
plural of “fate” — an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
frailadjectiveUS /freɪl/
physically weak
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
high-bred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
indicatedverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtəd/
past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
leathern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
lilynounUS /ˈlɪli/
any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
materialsnounUS /məˈtɪriəlz/
plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
modelnounUS /ˈmɑːdəl/
a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
not any; not one
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
Pepi
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
to say, state, or perform again
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
Identical; not different.
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
express in words
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
SeptembernounUS /sepˈtembər/
the month following August and preceding October
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
spinningnounUS /ˈspɪnɪŋ/
creating thread
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
express in words
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
tenthnounUS /tenθ/
a tenth part; one part in ten equal parts
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
in or at that place or location
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
in or at the place that
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _Visit to Pepi at Cremona._ It was on the evening of the tenth of September that Castruccio arrived at the bridge which Pepi had indicated.
which person or people
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
witchnounUS /wɪtʃ/
a female sorcerer or magician
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
in the company of; together with
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Say the word you were bid repeat here, and I will conduct you where you desire to go."
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading She looked full at Castruccio; so that he laughing asked her, whether she would tell him his fortune.
wrinklesnounUS /ˈrɪŋkəlz/
plural of “wrinkle” — a slight depression or fold in the smoothness of a surface
From this reading No one was there, except an old woman spinning with a distaff, who from her age and wrinkles might have served for a model of the eternal Fates; for her leathern and dry, brown skin, did not seem formed of the same frail materials as the lily cheek of a high-bred dame.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Aye," replied the beldame, "though no witch, it is easy for me to tell you what you are about to find.
