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The Blacksmith's Hammer
The Blacksmith's Hammer

Chapter VIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
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MOB-VERDICT.
In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.
Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Blacksmith's Hammer

Chapter VIII

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
MOB-VERDICT.
Line 2
In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.
Line 3
This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.
Line 4
Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.
Line 5
Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Ancient adjective US /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading “This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.”

Blackened adjective US /ˈblækənd/

made dark by burning or soot made dark by soot, burning, or black marks

From this reading “In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.”

All words in this reading · 83

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

blackenedadjectiveUS /ˈblækənd/

made dark by burning or soot made dark by soot, burning, or black marks

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

Buytenhoff

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

castle

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

From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.

cavalry

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

closed

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

closeness

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

coolness

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

Cornelius

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

crowded

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

day

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

De

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

detention

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

From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.

drawn

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

edifice

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

facade

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

few

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

forcing

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

gate

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

General

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

held

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

iron

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

iron-barred

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

ItsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

lay

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

led

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

mob

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

MOB-VERDICT

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

From this reading MOB-VERDICT.

moment

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

Monsieur

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

narrow

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

near

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

now

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

From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

ogive

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

palace

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

particular

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

pierced

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

place

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

From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.

prevented

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

principal

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

prison

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

Provinces

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

ranks

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

Republic

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

rose

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

separated

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

services

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

From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.

sessions

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

Seven

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

Square

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

stairs

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

States

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

thanks

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This ancient castle now did the services of a place of detention.

Tilly

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

troop

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

troopers

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

up

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

vast

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

vicinity

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Its principal facade, pierced with an ogive gate that was led up to by a few stairs, was separated from Buytenhoff Square by a closed iron-barred gate, before which, on this particular day, stood drawn up the cavalry troop of Monsieur Tilly.

windows

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.

Witt

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

From this reading Up to that moment the troopers had, thanks to their coolness and the closeness of their ranks, prevented the mob that crowded the square from forcing the iron gate of the prison in which Cornelius De Witt lay.

years

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

From this reading In the near vicinity of the palace, where the States General of the Republic of the Seven Provinces held their sessions, rose a vast edifice blackened by years and pierced with narrow, iron-barred windows.