adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
aristocraticadjectiveUS /ərˌɪstəˈkrætɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
authoritynounUS /əˈθɔːrəti/
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
beginningnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
castenounUS /kæst/
social status or position conferred by a system based on class
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
ceasedverbUS /siːst/
past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
centurynounUS /ˈsentʃəri/
a period of 100 years
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
citizenshipnounUS /ˈsɪtɪzənʃɪp/
the status of a citizen with rights and duties
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
civilitynounUS /səˈvɪləti/
formal or perfunctory politeness
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
combatnounUS /ˈkɑːmbæt/
an engagement fought between two military forces
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
commonwealthnounUS /ˈkɑːmənwelθ/
the official name of some states in the United States (Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and Virginia and Kentucky) and associated territories (Puerto Rico)
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
confiningadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪnɪŋ/
restricting the scope or freedom of action
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
createdverbUS /kriˈeɪtəd/
past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
declinedverbUS /dɪˈklaɪnd/
past form of “decline” — grow worse
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
deliveredverbUS /dɪˈlɪvərd/
past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
devotionnounUS /dɪˈvoʊʃən/
feelings of ardent love
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
effortsnounUS /ˈefərts/
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
EmpirenounUS /ˈempaɪər/
the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
endnounUS /end/
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
estatenounUS /ɪˈsteɪt/
everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
estatesnounUS /ɪˈsteɪts/
plural of “estate” — everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
existencenounUS /eɡˈzɪstəns/
the state or fact of existing
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
factnounUS /fækt/
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
fifthnounUS /fɪfθ/
a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
financenounUS /fəˈnæns/
the commercial activity of providing funds and capital
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
forbadeverbUS /fərˈbeɪd/
inflected form of “forbid” — command against
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
forgottenadjectiveUS /fərˈɡɑːt.n̩/
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
freedmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
HERESYnounUS /ˈherəsi/
any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
holdverbUS /hoʊld/
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
honoursnoun
a university degree with honors
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
ImperialadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɪriəl/
relating to or associated with an empire
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
independentadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt/
free from external control and constraint
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
infiniteadjectiveUS /ˈɪnfənət/
having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
inhabitantsnounUS /ɪnˈhæbətənts/
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
ItalynounUS /ˈɪtəli/
a republic in southern Europe on the Italian Peninsula; was the core of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire between the 4th century BC and the 5th century AD
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
jurisdictionnounUS /ˌdʒʊrəsˈdɪkʃən/
(law) the right and power to interpret and apply the law
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
justicenounUS /ˈdʒʌstəs/
the quality of being just or fair
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
lawnounUS /lɔː/
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
liveverbUS /laɪv/
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
lordnounUS /lɔːrd/
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
massnounUS /mæs/
the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
mattersnounUS /ˈmætərz/
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
menaceverbUS /ˈmenəs/
pose a threat to; present a danger to
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
municipia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
nearadverbUS /nɪr/
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
noblesnounUS /ˈnoʊbəlz/
plural of “noble” — a titled peer of the realm
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
obligedadjectiveUS /əˈblaɪdʒd/
under a moral obligation to do something
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
performverbUS /pərˈfɔːrm/
carry out or perform an action
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
pleadverbUS /pliːd/
appeal or request earnestly
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
pointsnounUS /pɔɪnts/
plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
powernounUS /ˈpaʊər/
possession of controlling influence
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
predominancenounUS /prɪˈdɑːmənəns/
the state of being predominant over others
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
principlenounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
privateadjectiveUS /ˈpraɪvət/
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
privilegesnounUS /ˈprɪvlədʒəz/
plural of “privilege” — a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
publicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
rightadverbUS /raɪt/
precisely, exactly
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
RomanadjectiveUS /ˈroʊmən/
relating to or characteristic of people of Rome
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
rulersnounUS /ˈruːlərz/
plural of “ruler” — a person who rules or commands
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
ruraladjectiveUS /ˈrʊrəl/
living in or characteristic of farming or country life
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
senatorialadjectiveUS /ˌsenəˈtɔːriəl/
of or relating to senators
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
serfsnounUS /sɜːrfs/
plural of “serf” — (Middle Ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
servicesnounUS /ˈsɜːrvəsəz/
performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
situatedadjectiveUS /ˈsɪtʃuːeɪtɪd/
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
slavesnounUS /sleɪvz/
plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
statenounUS /steɪt/
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
strenuousadjectiveUS /ˈstrenjuːəs/
characterized by or performed with much energy or force
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
strivingnounUS /ˈstraɪvɪŋ/
an effortful attempt to attain a goal
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
strongestadjectiveUS /ˈstrɔːŋɡəst/
superlative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
systemnounUS /ˈsɪstəm/
instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
tendencynounUS /ˈtendənsi/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
Theodoric
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading HERESY The Roman Empire, by confining privileges and honours to the senatorial order, created a noble caste, and this caste, as Imperial authority declined, became a power independent of the state, and a menace to its existence.
townsnounUS /taʊnz/
plural of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Having ceased to hold office and perform public services in the municipia, they became, in fact, rulers of the towns situated on or near their great estates.
upholdverbUS /əpˈhoʊld/
keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In matters of justice and of finance the nobles were beginning to live by their own law, which was that of the right of the strongest.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading In Italy, by the end of the fifth century, the great system of citizenship, with its principle of infinite devotion to the good of the commonwealth, was all but forgotten.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
yieldverbUS /jiːld/
be the cause or source of
From this reading Theodoric, striving to uphold the ancient civility, made strenuous efforts to combat this aristocratic predominance; yet on some points he was obliged to yield to the tendency of the times, as when he forbade the freedmen, serfs, and slaves on any estate to plead against their lord, and so delivered the mass of the rural inhabitants of Italy to private jurisdiction.
