used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
ancestornounUS /ˈænsestər/
someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
battlementsnounUS /ˈbætəlmənts/
plural of “battlement” — a rampart built around the top of a castle with regular gaps for firing arrows or guns
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
bredverbUS /bred/
inflected form of “breed” — call forth
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
chateaunounUS /ʃæˈtoʊ/
an impressive country house (or castle) in France
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
confirmedadjectiveUS /kənˈfɜːrmd/
of persons; not subject to change
From this reading More and more the family had lived a retired life, and the last two heads of it had been confirmed invalids.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
courtsnounUS /kɔːrts/
plural of “court” — an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
crumbledverbUS /ˈkrʌmbəld/
past form of “crumble” — fall apart
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
characterized by great determination
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
DukesnounUS /duːks/
plural of “duke” — a British peer of the highest rank
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
Dupres
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
an opposing military force
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
a social unit living together
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
favorsnounUS /ˈfeɪvərz/
plural of “favor” — an act of gracious kindness
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
unflinching in battle or action
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
guard-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading More and more the family had lived a retired life, and the last two heads of it had been confirmed invalids.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
invalidsnounUS /ˈɪnvələdz/
plural of “invalid” — someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury
From this reading More and more the family had lived a retired life, and the last two heads of it had been confirmed invalids.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
immediately past
From this reading More and more the family had lived a retired life, and the last two heads of it had been confirmed invalids.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading More and more the family had lived a retired life, and the last two heads of it had been confirmed invalids.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading More and more the family had lived a retired life, and the last two heads of it had been confirmed invalids.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
engage in
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
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 It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
misfortunenounUS /mɪˈsfɔːrtʃən/
unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
Montvilliers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
nestlingnounUS /ˈnestlɪŋ/
young bird not yet fledged
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
not any; not one
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
on one occasion
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
originallyadverbUS /ərˈɪdʒənəli/
in an original manner
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
outeradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/
being on the outside or further from a center
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
Passey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
petitionsnounUS /pəˈtɪʃənz/
plural of “petition” — a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
recentadjectiveUS /ˈriːsənt/
new
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
resistancenounUS /rɪˈzɪstəns/
the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading More and more the family had lived a retired life, and the last two heads of it had been confirmed invalids.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
SCHOLARnounUS /ˈskɒl.ər/
A specialist in a particular branch of study; a distinguished student.
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
get by special effort
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
serving-men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
dependable
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Nothing is easier to forget than past service if there is no present need of favors, and the Dukes of Montvilliers had practically forgotten their once powerful subject of Passey.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading More and more the family had lived a retired life, and the last two heads of it had been confirmed invalids.
Vayenne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
vigilantadjectiveUS /ˈvɪdʒələnt/
carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
wardnounUS /wɔːrd/
a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
warriornounUS /ˈwɔːriər/
someone engaged in or experienced in warfare
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
look attentively
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading THE SCHOLAR The village of Passey, nestling in the shadow of its chateau, looked secure, had indeed been well protected in past times, but to-day little real resistance could have been offered to a determined enemy.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The outer wall of the chateau had crumbled and fallen in pieces, no vigilant eyes kept ward and watch from its battlements, and the serving-men in its old guard-rooms and courts were not of the kind out of which stout soldiers are made.
a late time of life
From this reading It had been in the hands of the Dupres for three centuries or more, given originally to an ancestor in return for good service, for the family had bred many a gallant warrior in the past; but in recent years misfortune and poverty had come, and the Dupres were too proud to make petitions in the Castle of Vayenne.
