Chapter XXI · The Old House by the Sea

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

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

(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 "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

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

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

-ing form of “bestow” — present

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

make a resonant sound, like artillery

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

a region marking a boundary

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

a large and stately mansion

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

past form of “christen” — administer baptism to

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

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

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

absence of light or illumination

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

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

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

decree or designate beforehand

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

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

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

at any future time; in the future

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

something many people believe that is false

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

ludicrously odd

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

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

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

shockingly repellent; inspiring horror

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

depressingly dark

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

the native habitat or home of an animal or plant

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

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

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

comparative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

having or showing excessive or compulsive concern with something

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

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

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

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

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

cause to move by striking

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

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

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

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

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

an infective disease caused by sporozoan parasites that are transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito; marked by paroxysms of chills and fever

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

plural of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

a town in west central Texas

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

possessive form of “night” — the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

not any; not one

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

throughout a period of time

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

possessive form of “ocean” — a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

and nothing more

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

above and across; more than

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

above your head; in the sky

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

owed as a debt

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

become less interesting or attractive

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

more desirable than another

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

third-person singular of “prophesy” — predict or reveal through, or as if through, divine inspiration

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

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

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

move upward

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

appearing as such but not necessarily so

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

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

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

ruined or disrupted

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

plural of “shire” — a former administrative district of England; equivalent to a county

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

without speaking

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

fall or descend to a lower place or level

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

moving slowly

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

having a supporting base

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

showing a brooding ill humor

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

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

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

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

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

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

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

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

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

in the direction of

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

destroy property or hinder normal operations

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

not in or exhibiting good health in body or mind

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Gartney had another residence, much more comfortable, situated in the midland shires, but, with his usual fantastic nature, preferred when staying in the country to inhabit this semi-ruinous mansion.

a region marking a boundary

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

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

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

at the time that

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

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

From this reading "Curs'd by Superstition eerie, Grim it stands a ruin dreary, Round it spread the marshes lonely, Haunted by dim shadows only, Shadows of an evil seeming, Such as rise in ghastly dreaming, Overhead the sky of crimson, Reddens slowly from the dim sun, Silently the sluggish waters Undermine the tower which totters, And the ocean's sullen boom, Prophesies the coming doom, When the house shall sudden sink, Shattered o'er destruction's brink, And the dark night's gloomy pall Evermore brood over all."

determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.

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

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Standing on the verge of wide-spreading marshes, it faced towards the sea, which was only a little distance away, and the salt winds from the ocean roared day and night round the lonely house.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Eustace, with his whimsical fancy for bestowing appropriate names on all things, had christened his ancestral residence Castle Grim, and he certainly could not have hit upon a happier title for such a dreary place.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading For it was lonely, no habitation being within miles, owing to the malaria which arose from the marshes making the whole neighbourhood unhealthy to live in.