used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Andron._--Act. iv.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
Andron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Andron._--Act. iv.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
a youthful male person
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
Canstmodal verbUS /kænst/
an old form of “can”, used with “thou”
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
dothauxiliary verbUS /dɔːθ/
an old form of “does”
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
in a serious manner
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
ExtremitynounUS /ekˈstreməti/
an external body part that projects from the body
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
frenzynounUS /ˈfrenzi/
state of violent mental agitation
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
grandsire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
griefs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
Hecuba
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
ivnoun
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Andron._--Act. iv.
knockingnounUS /ˈnɑːkɪŋ/
the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing)
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
louderadjectiveUS /ˈlaʊdər/
comparative of “loud” — characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
Lucius
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
roused to anger
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
engage in
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
the force of workers available
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
many times at short intervals
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
and nothing more
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
pliesnounUS /plaɪz/
plural of “ply” — one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread; often used in combination
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
express in words
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
spinningnounUS /ˈspɪnɪŋ/
creating thread
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
TitnounUS /tɪt/
either of two soft fleshy milk-secreting glandular organs on the chest of a woman
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
TroynounUS /trɔɪ/
a system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones; based on a 12-ounce pound and an ounce of 480 grains
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
except if; if not
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
whereforeadverbUS /werˈfɔːr/
an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”
From this reading _Tit._ Fear her not, Lucius; somewhat doth she mean: Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading The knocking grew louder and louder; but the old woman answered not a word; on the contrary she seemed only the more earnestly intent on her spinning.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading _Boy._ My Lord, I know not, I; nor can I guess; Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her: For I have heard my grandsire say full often, Extremity of griefs would make men mad: And I have read that Hecuba of Troy Ran mad through sorrow: that made me to fear.
