used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _A BALLADE OF XXXII BALLADES_.
abateverbUS /əˈbeɪt/
make less active or intense
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
airy-new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
(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 _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
BALLADEnounUS /bəˈlɑːd/
a poem consisting of 3 stanzas and an envoy
From this reading _A BALLADE OF XXXII BALLADES_.
BALLADES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _A BALLADE OF XXXII BALLADES_.
have
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
see with attention
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
propose a payment
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
bondsnounUS /bɑːndz/
plural of “bond” — an electrical force linking atoms
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
care-dulled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
caresnounUS /kerz/
plural of “care” — the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
chinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/
a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
communenounUS /ˈkɑːmjuːn/
the smallest administrative district of several European countries
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
cover's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
cranksnounUS /kræŋks/
plural of “crank” — a bad-tempered person
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
daintyadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪnti/
delicately beautiful
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
dedicateverbUS /ˈdedəkeɪt/
give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
disparateadjectiveUS /ˈdɪspərɪt/
fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
enlinked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
ENVOYnounUS /ˈenvɔɪ/
a diplomat having less authority than an ambassador
From this reading ENVOY.
ethernounUS /ˈiːθər/
the fifth and highest element after air and earth and fire and water; was believed to be the substance composing all heavenly bodies
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
the organ of sight
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
fainadjectiveUS /feɪn/
having made preparations
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
fantasynounUS /ˈfæntəsi/
imagination unrestricted by reality
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
ForestallingnounUS /ˌfɔːrˈstɑːlɪŋ/
the act of preventing something by anticipating and disposing of it effectively
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
forspent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
frownsnounUS /fraʊnz/
plural of “frown” — a facial expression of dislike or displeasure
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
glorifiesverbUS /ˈɡlɔːrəfaɪz/
third-person singular of “glorify” — praise, glorify, or honor
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
half-hournounUS /ˈhæfaʊər/
a half of an hour
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
longsverbUS /lɔːŋz/
third-person singular of “long” — desire strongly or persistently
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
measuredadjectiveUS /ˈmeʒərd/
having notes of fixed rhythmic value
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
mirthnounUS /mɜːrθ/
great merriment
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
used to form the superlative
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _A BALLADE OF XXXII BALLADES_.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
patenounUS /peɪt/
liver or meat or fowl finely minced or ground and variously seasoned
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
perplexedadjectiveUS /pərˈplekst/
full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
quipsnounUS /kwɪps/
plural of “quip” — a witty saying
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
relaxverbUS /rɪˈlæks/
become less tense, rest, or take one's ease
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
rhymesnounUS /raɪmz/
plural of “rhyme” — correspondence in the sounds of two or more lines (especially final sounds)
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
Identical; not different.
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
solacenounUS /ˈsɑːləs/
the comfort you feel when consoled in times of disappointment
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
straitnounUS /streɪt/
a narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
Thirty-twoadjective
being two more than thirty
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
tickleverbUS /ˈtɪkəl/
touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
up to a particular time
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
troopnounUS /truːp/
a group of soldiers
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
untieverbUS /ənˈtaɪ/
undo the ties of
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
unweariedadjective
with unreduced energy
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
weaveverbUS /wiːv/
interlace by or as if by weaving
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
accept gladly
From this reading _Most welcome then_, _when you and I_, _Forestalling days for mirth too late_, _To quips and cranks and fantasy_ _Some choice half-hour dedicate_, _They weave their dance with measured rate_ _Of rhymes enlinked in order due_, _Till frowns relax and cares abate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
at the time that
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
in the company of; together with
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading _The mind_, _unwearied_, _longs to fly_ _And commune with the wise and great_; _But that same ether_, _rare and high_, _Which glorifies its worthy mate_, _To breath forspent is disparate_: _Laughing and light and airy-new_ _These come to tickle the dull pate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
XXXIIadjective
being two more than thirty
From this reading _A BALLADE OF XXXII BALLADES_.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading _Friend_, _when you bear a care-dulled eye_, _And brow perplexed with things of weight_, _And fain would bid some charm untie_ _The bonds that hold you all too strait_, _Behold a solace to your fate_, _Wrapped in this cover’s china blue_; _These ballades fresh and delicate_, _This dainty troop of Thirty-two_!
![XXXII Ballades in Blue China [1885]](/static/images/covers-gen/xxxii-ballades-in-blue-china-1885.academy.webp)