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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 And if the man were a braggart and would go no further, your father would be silent and none would know it.
afterwards
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From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “So would your father before you, and his father no less.
any
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From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
anyonepronounUS /ˈeniwʌn/
any person at all
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
arms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Nigel looked at the old woman with shining eyes.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading “So would your father before you, and his father no less.
bore
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From this reading But if he bore himself well, your father would spread his fame far and wide, but never make mention of himself.”
braggart
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From this reading And if the man were a braggart and would go no further, your father would be silent and none would know it.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
deed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
deeds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
deign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
eager
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
ear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nigel looked at the old woman with shining eyes.
fame
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From this reading But if he bore himself well, your father would spread his fame far and wide, but never make mention of himself.”
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But if he bore himself well, your father would spread his fame far and wide, but never make mention of himself.”
father
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From this reading “So would your father before you, and his father no less.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
further
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And if the man were a braggart and would go no further, your father would be silent and none would know it.
go
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From this reading And if the man were a braggart and would go no further, your father would be silent and none would know it.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading But if he bore himself well, your father would spread his fame far and wide, but never make mention of himself.”
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “So would your father before you, and his father no less.
honor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading And if the man were a braggart and would go no further, your father would be silent and none would know it.
knights
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And if the man were a braggart and would go no further, your father would be silent and none would know it.
learn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “So would your father before you, and his father no less.
listen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Nigel looked at the old woman with shining eyes.
louder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But if he bore himself well, your father would spread his fame far and wide, but never make mention of himself.”
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And if the man were a braggart and would go no further, your father would be silent and none would know it.
man's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
mention
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But if he bore himself well, your father would spread his fame far and wide, but never make mention of himself.”
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading But if he bore himself well, your father would spread his fame far and wide, but never make mention of himself.”
Nigel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nigel looked at the old woman with shining eyes.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading “So would your father before you, and his father no less.
noble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading And if the man were a braggart and would go no further, your father would be silent and none would know it.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nigel looked at the old woman with shining eyes.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
perchance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
perform
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
person
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
pluck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
relieve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
shining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nigel looked at the old woman with shining eyes.
silent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
sit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
sleeve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
small
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “So would your father before you, and his father no less.
softly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
some
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From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
spoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
spread
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But if he bore himself well, your father would spread his fame far and wide, but never make mention of himself.”
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
then
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From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
vownounUS /vaʊ/
a serious promise
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But if he bore himself well, your father would spread his fame far and wide, but never make mention of himself.”
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And if the man were a braggart and would go no further, your father would be silent and none would know it.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
whisper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
wide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But if he bore himself well, your father would spread his fame far and wide, but never make mention of himself.”
wine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They would sit silent among the knights when the wine went round and listen to every man’s deeds; but if perchance there was anyone who spoke louder than the rest and seemed to be eager for honor, then afterwards your father would pluck him softly by the sleeve and whisper in his ear to learn if there was any small vow of which he could relieve him, or if he would deign to perform some noble deed of arms upon his person.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Nigel looked at the old woman with shining eyes.
woman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nigel looked at the old woman with shining eyes.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading “So would your father before you, and his father no less.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “So would your father before you, and his father no less.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “So would your father before you, and his father no less.
