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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
afterwards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
ago
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From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
alley
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From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
back
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From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
barrack
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From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
blind
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From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
borough
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From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
bowled
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From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
building
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
cellnounUS /sel/
A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
church
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From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
close
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From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
closer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
closing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
confined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
consisting
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From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
contained
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From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
customs
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From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
debtors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
defaulters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
door
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From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
doors
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From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
down
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From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
duly
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From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
environed
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From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
excise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
few
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From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
fines
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From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
formed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
George
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From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
hemmed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
incarcerated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
incurred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
iron-plated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
ItselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
jail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
laws
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
left-hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
limited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
Marshalsea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/
difficult to explain or understand
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
narrow
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From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
now
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From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
oblong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
Offenders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
partitioned
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From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
paved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
pay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
pile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
Prison
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
remainednounUS /ˈremained/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
revenue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
Saint
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From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
second
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
skittle-ground
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
smugglers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
southward
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From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
Southwark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
spiked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
squalid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
standingnounUS /ˈstanding/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
supposed
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From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
termination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
Thirty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
top
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
troubles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
unable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
walls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
wide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Offenders against the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or customs who had incurred fines which they were unable to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind an iron-plated door closing up a second prison, consisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious termination of the very limited skittle-ground in which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their troubles.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Itself a close and confined prison for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and more confined jail for smugglers.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
worse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had stood there many years before, and it remained there some years afterwards; but it is gone now, and the world is none the worse without it.
yard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partitioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so that there were no back rooms; environed by a narrow paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly spiked at top.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thirty years ago there stood, a few doors short of the church of Saint George, in the borough of Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going southward, the Marshalsea Prison.
