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 The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
advanced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
alms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
assembled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
assistants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
awoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
bag
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
bearing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
beds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
bell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
Black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
bodynounUS /body/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
carried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
cart
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
church
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
closed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
clothed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
coffin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
collecting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
colleges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
condemned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
convents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
covered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
criminal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
cross
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
crowd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
curiosity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
de
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
deliverance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
double
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
drawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
dresses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
environs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
execution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
executioner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
field
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
filled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
flag
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
flat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
footnounUS /foot/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
François
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
galleries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
gates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
go
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
grain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
gratings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
gray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
heads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
holding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
holiday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
hoods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
horseback
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
inhabitants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
la
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
lengthnounUS /leŋθ/
a period of time or extent
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
magnificent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
Marine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
midst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
militia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
mouth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
moving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
mules
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
number
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
nuns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
openings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
outskirts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
Palermo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
pass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
Penitents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
Place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
placed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
population
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
preceded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
procession
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
pure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
purgatory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
purse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
rank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
red
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
regular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
roofs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
roused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
Rue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
runningnounUS /ˈrunning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
Saint
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
Sales
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
scholars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
schools
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
shadows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
sky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
soul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
throngs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
Toledo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
transparent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
troops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executioner followed on horseback, bearing a red flag; his two assistants on foot, one on each side.
usual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
various
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
waved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
White
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Behind these came a body of Black Penitents, who closed the procession, which advanced in the midst of a double rank of militia and regular troops, while, on the outskirts of the crowd, men were running along clothed in long gray dresses, with their heads covered with hoods, having openings for the eyes and mouth, holding in one hand a bell, and in the other a large purse or bag, collecting alms for the deliverance of the soul of the criminal from purgatory.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The condemned man was at the gates of the church placed in a cart drawn by mules, and preceded by a number of White Penitents, the first of whom carried the cross and the four last the coffin.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
windows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
women
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The windows of the houses were filled with women, whose curiosity had roused them from their beds before their usual time, and the nuns of the various convents in Palermo and its environs might be seen moving like shadows behind the gratings of the galleries; while on the flat roofs of the houses throngs of people waved to and fro like a field of grain.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The sky was magnificent, the air pure and transparent; the inhabitants of Palermo awoke as if it had been a holiday--the scholars at the colleges and schools had a holiday, and the whole population seemed to have assembled in the Rue de Toledo, through the whole length of which the condemned man would have to pass to go from the church of Saint François de Sales, where He had passed the night, to the Place de la Marine, where the execution was to take place.
