Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

affirming or giving assent

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

an amount allowed or granted (as during a given period)

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

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

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

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

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

earlier than; in front of

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

courtesy towards women

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

the coloring of a person's face

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

past form of “contrast” — put in opposition to show or emphasize differences

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading "Fear you not, sir," said Count Robert.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

the act of making up your mind about something

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

argue or speak in defense of

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

atypically small

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

an opposing military force

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

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

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading "Fear you not, sir," said Count Robert.

a cruel wicked and inhuman person

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

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

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

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

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

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

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

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

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

to or toward the inside of

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

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

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

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

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

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

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

the descendants of one individual

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

a reproach for some lapse or misdeed

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

third-person singular of “require” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)

From this reading "Fear you not, sir," said Count Robert.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

in a singular manner or to a singular degree

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

term of address for a man

From this reading "Fear you not, sir," said Count Robert.

plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

express in words

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

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

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

in or at that place or location

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

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

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

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

From this reading "I doubt it not," said the Varangian; "but the distinction seems a strange one, that before permitting a man to defend himself, or annoy his enemy, requires him to demand the pedigree of his ancestor."

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

at the time that

From this reading "The strict rule of chivalry indeed bears what I tell thee, but when the question is, Fight or not? there is great allowance to be made for a decision in the affirmative."

a Caucasian

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "Let me give then the exorciser's rap," replied Hereward, "and see what fiend will appear."

in the company of; together with

From this reading So saying, he knocked in a particular manner, and the door opened inwards; a dwarfish negress stood in the gap--her white hair contrasted singularly with her dark complexion, and with the broad laughing look peculiar to those slaves.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Fear you not, sir," said Count Robert.