Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

the superior of an abbey of monks

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

in an enjoyable manner

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

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

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

react verbally

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

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

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

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

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

Irish abbess; a patron saint of Ireland (453-523)

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

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

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

an occurrence of something

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

(sometimes followed by “with”) in agreement or consistent or reliable

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

a religious residence especially for nuns

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

a decorative bedspread (usually quilted)

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

the outer layer of the Earth

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

determined or decided upon as by an authority

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

a prescribed selection of foods

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

the state of being tense and feeling pain

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

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

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

listen; used mostly in the imperative

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

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

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

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

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

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

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

plural of “inmate” — one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

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

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

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

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

not any; not one

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

impressive in appearance

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

provide with nourishment

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

past form of “restore” — return to its original or usable and functioning condition

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

plural of “rule” — a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

express in words

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

term of address for a man

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

comparative of “soft” — yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

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

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

in or at that place or location

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

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

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

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

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

the funds of a government or institution or individual

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

(biology) a relative capacity to unite or react or interact as with antigens or a biological substrate

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

plural of “vow” — a solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner

From this reading "That," replied the abbot, "would have been a mode of settlement contrary to our vows.

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

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What is paid to the treasury of Saint Bridget, cannot, agreeably to our rule, be on any account restored.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

a Caucasian

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

in the company of; together with

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "In which case," said Sir Aymer, "you would have had the discomfort of returning some part of the money you have received?"

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Now hearken to what I say, Sir Abbot, and answer me truly," said the Knight of Valence--"What communication has this youth held with the inmates of your convent, or with those beyond your house?

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading But, noble knight, there was no occasion for this; a crust of white bread and a draught of milk were diet sufficient to nourish this poor youth for a day, and it was my own anxiety for his health that dictated the furnishing of his cell with a softer bed and coverlet than are quite consistent with the rules of our order."