Mythology Ladder: Baldwin to Bulfinch
A graduated vocabulary ladder · prepared by Vocabularium
The ladder. Rung 1: read James Baldwin’s Old Greek Stories (1895; 41,603 words) and learn its vocabulary. Rung 2: the shared words — vocabulary Baldwin and Bulfinch have in common, so Baldwin pre-teaches Bulfinch. Rung 3: Bulfinch’s Age of Fable itself (119,944 words) — first its everyday hard words, then its literary and classical language. Of Bulfinch’s study-worthy words, 425 are pre-taught by Baldwin.
Rung 1 — Words for Baldwin’s Retelling
Learn these, then enjoy Baldwin’s Old Greek Stories (1895).
maiden ×53 Webster 1828
noun
1. An unmarried woman, or a young unmarried woman; a virgin.
2. A female servant.
3. It is used in composition, to express the feminine gender, as in maid-servant.
MA'IDEN, noun A maid; also, a…
“"You are Io who was once a fair and happy maiden in distant Argos; and now, because of the tyrant Jupiter and his jealous queen, you are doomed to wander from land to land in that unhuman form.”
robber ×22 Webster 1828
noun
1. In law, one that takes goods or money from the person of another by force or menaces, and with a felonious intent.
2.
“In that forest there dwelt a robber giant, called Club-carrier, who was the terror of all the country.”
bade ×21 Webster 1828
BADE, the past tense of bid. [See Bid.]
“But when in the morning the dawn began to appear in the east, and the stars grew dim above the mountain peaks, he bade her farewell and journeyed onward over the hills.”
spear ×18 Webster 1828
noun
1. A long pointed weapon, used in war and hunting by thrusting or throwing; a lance.
2. A sharp pointed instrument with barbs; used for stabbing fish and other animals.
3.
“Every man was clothed in a suit of brass armor; and every one had a long spear in his right hand and a shield in his left.”
became ×18 Webster 1828
preterit tense of become [See Become.]
“And little by little he grew stronger, and his muscles became like iron bands, and his limbs were like mighty levers for strength.”
boar ×17 Webster 1828
noun [Latin aper, and verres.] The male of swine not castrated.
“If you want her, you must come for her in a chariot drawn by a lion and a wild boar.”
weave ×15 Webster 1828
verb transitive preterit tense wove; participle passive woven, wove. The regular form, weaved, is rarely or never used. [G., Gr.]
1. To unite threads of any kind in such a manner as to form cloth.
“All that she cared to do from morn till noon was to sit in the sun and spin; and all that she cared to do from noon till night was to sit in the shade and weave.”
dreadful ×14 Webster 1828
adjective
1. Impressing great fear; terrible; formidable; as a dreadful storm, or dreadful night.
The great and dreadful day of the Lord. Malachi 4:5.
2.
“This serpent often seized sheep and cattle, and sometimes even men and women and children, and carried them up to his dreadful den and devoured them.”
seize ×12 Webster 1828
verb transitive
1. To fall or rush upon suddenly and lay hold on; or to gripe or grasp suddenly. The tiger rushes from the thicket and seizes his prey. A dog seizes an animal by the throat.
“He bade two of his servants, whose names were Strength and Force, to seize the bold Titan and carry him to the topmost peak of the Caucasus Mountains.”
wander ×12 Webster 1828
verb intransitive [G., to wander to walk, to change, exchange or transform.]
1. To rove; to ramble here and there without any certain course or object in view; as, to wander over the fields; to wand…
“But they could look down and see what men were doing, and oftentimes they were said to leave their lofty homes and wander unknown across the land or over the sea.”
slain ×12 Webster 1828
participle passive of slay; so written for slayen. Killed.
“And they said, "No one; and we and our children and our flocks shall all be slain by him."”
chariot ×12 Webster 1828
CHARIOT,noun
1. A half coach; a carriage with four wheels and one seat behind, used for convenience and pleasure.
2.
“His swan-team and his golden chariot were not at hand--for, now that he was living with men, he must travel like men.”
crow ×11 Webster 1828
noun [G., Latin ]
1. A large black fowl, of the genus Corvus; the beak is convex and cultrated, the nostrils are covered with bristly feathers, the tongue is forked and cartilaginous.
“"The crow will fly swiftly every morning to Parnassus, and tell me whether you and the child are well, and what you are doing while I am away."”
vine ×11 Webster 1828
noun [Latin vinca. See Wine.]
1. A plant that produces grapes, of the genus Vitis, and of a great number of varieties.
2.
“Apples and figs and oranges always hung ripe from the trees; and there were purple grapes on the vines, and melons and berries of every kind, which the people had but to pick and eat.”
weep ×11 Webster 1828
verb intransitive preterit tense and participle passive wept. Weeped, I believe is never used. [See Whoop. The primary sense is to cry out.]
1. To express sorrow, grief or anguish by outcry.
“from morn till night; and when the sun had set, and it was dark, she lay down on the cold ground and wept, and cried, "Moo!”
deeds ×10 Modern
1. (noun) performance of moral or religious acts
“He was only a common man and not a Titan like his great father, and yet he was known far and wide for his good deeds and the uprightness of his life.”
hung ×10 Webster 1828
verb transitive preterit tense and participle passive hanged or hung.
1. To suspend; to fasten to some fixed object above, in such a manner as to swing or move; as, to hang a thief.
“But the tops of the pine trees below it were laden with the bones of unlucky travelers, which hung bleaching white in the sun and wind.”
altar ×9 Webster 1828
noun [Latin altare, probably from the same root as altus, high.
1. A mount; a table or elevated place, on which sacrifices where anciently offered to some deity.
“Early the next morning he built an altar of stones in the open field; and when he had killed the fattest goat of the flock, he built a fire on the altar and laid the thighs of the goat in the flames.”
hid ×9 Webster 1828
HID
HI'DAGE, noun [from hide, a quantity of land.] An extraordinary tax formerly paid to the kings of England for every hide of land.
“And Arachne herself was ashamed and afraid when she saw it; and she hid her face in her hands and wept.”
sailed ×9 Webster 1828
participle passive Passed in ships or other water craft.
“Then the young men sailed on in their little ship.”
traveler ×9 Webster 1828
noun
1. One who travels in any way. Job:31.
2. One who visits foreign countries.
3. In ships, an iron thimble or thimbles with a rope spliced round them, forming a kind of tail or a species of gromme…
“It was his custom to hide in the thickets of underbrush, close to a pathway, and, when a traveler passed that way, leap out upon him and beat him to death.”
serpent ×9 Webster 1828
noun [Latin serpens, creeping; serpo, to creep.]
1. An animal of the order of Serpentes, [creepers, crawlers, ] Of the class of Amphibia.
“There were wings on his shoes and on his cap, and in his hands he bore a staff with golden serpents twined around it.”
weeping ×9 Webster 1828
participle present tense Lamenting; shedding tears.
WEEPING, noun Lamentation.
“The other brother of Jupiter was a sad pale-faced being, whose kingdom was underneath the earth, where the sun never shone and where there was darkness and weeping and sorrow all the time.”
loom ×9 Webster 1828
noun
1. In composition, heir-loom, in law, is a personal chattel that by special custom descends to an heir with the inheritance, being such a thing as cannot be separated from the estate, without in…
“And oh, how fine and fair were the things which she wove in her loom!”
overtake ×9 Webster 1828
verb transitive
1. To come up with in a course, pursuit, progress or motion; to catch.
The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake Exodus 15:9.
2. To come upon; to fall on afterwards.
“The king sent out his fastest ship to try to overtake the bull.”
slippers ×9 Webster 1828
noun
1. A kind of shoe consisting of a sole and vamp without quarters, which may be slipped on with ease and worn in undress; a slip-shoe.
2.
“But the Magic Slippers were faster than any wings, and in a little while the monsters were left far behind, and their cries were heard no more; and Perseus flew on alone.”
sandals ×9 Webster 1828
noun [Latin sandalium; Gr.]
1. A kind of shoe, consisting of a sole fastened to the foot. The Greek and Roman ladies wore sandals made of a rich stuff, ornamented with gold or silver.
2.
“Then they walked down the mountain together and told King Pittheus what had happened, and showed him the sword and the sandals.”
frightened ×8 Webster 1828
participle passive Terrified; suddenly alarmed with danger.
“She was frightened; and still the music was so charming that she could not run away.”
arose ×8 Webster 1828
The past or preterit tense of the verb, to arise.
“A storm arose, the sky was black, the billows were mountain high, the winds roared fearfully; yet through it all the child slept soundly in his mother's arms.”
sorrow ×8 Webster 1828
noun The uneasiness or pain of mind which is produced by the loss of any good. or of frustrated hopes of good, or expected loss of happiness; to grieve; to be sad.
“The other brother of Jupiter was a sad pale-faced being, whose kingdom was underneath the earth, where the sun never shone and where there was darkness and weeping and sorrow all the time.”
grape ×8 Webster 1828
noun [This word is from the root of grab, gripe, and signifies primarily a cluster or bunch.]
1.
“Apples and figs and oranges always hung ripe from the trees; and there were purple grapes on the vines, and melons and berries of every kind, which the people had but to pick and eat.”
flock ×8 Webster 1828
noun [Latin floccus. It is the same radically as flake, and applied to wool or hair, we write it lock. See Flake.]
1. A company or collection; applied to sheep and other small animals.
“They no longer built houses and tended their flocks and lived together in peace; but every man was at war with his neighbor, and there was no law nor safety in all the land.”
onward ×8 Webster 1828
adverb [Latin versus.]
1. Toward the point before or in front; forward; progressively; in advance; as, to move onward
Not one looks backward, onward still he goes.
2.
“The river smiled, and Daphne ran onward, climbing one hill after another, and wondering why the great mountain seemed still so far away.”
whispered ×8 Webster 1828
participle passive Uttered in a low voice; uttered with suspicion or caution.
“Then the man took off his winged slippers, and put them on the feet of Perseus; and the woman whispered to him to be off at once, and to fear nothing, but be bold and true.”
proud ×8 Webster 1828
adjective
1. Having inordinate self-esteem; possessing a high or unreasonable conceit of one's own excellence, either of body or mind.
“But the boy was proud of his skill in flying, and as he looked up at the sun he thought how nice it would be to soar like it high above the clouds in the blue depths of the sky.”
hunters ×8 Webster 1828
noun One who pursues wild animals with a view to take them, either for sport or for food.
1. A dog that scents game, or is employed in the chase.
2. A horse used in the chase.
“Then he sent messengers into all the countries near Calydon, asking the bravest men and skillfullest hunters to come at a certain time and help him hunt and kill the great wild boar.”
meadow ×7 Webster 1828
noun med'o. A tract of low land. In America, the word is applied particularly to the low ground on the banks of rivers, consisting of a rich mold or an alluvial soil, whether grass land, pasture, til…
“The woods and meadows were always full of blossoms, and the music of singing birds was heard every day and every hour.”
foe ×7 Webster 1828
noun fo. [See Fiend.]
1. An enemy; one who entertains personal enmity, hatred, grudge or malice against another.
A man's foes shall be they of his own household. Matthew 10:36.
2.
“Of course, good, quiet old Saturn and his brothers and sisters could not hold out always against such foes as these.”
wrestle ×7 Webster 1828
verb intransitive resl.
1. To strive with arms extended, as two men, who seize each other by the collar and arms, each endeavoring to throw the other by tripping up his heels and twitching him off hi…
“He makes every stranger who comes into the city wrestle with him; and such is the strength of his arms that when he has overcome a man he crushes the life out of his body.”
pouch ×7 Webster 1828
noun
1. A small bag; usually, a leathern bag to be carried in the pocket.
2. A protuberant belly.
3. The bag or sack of a fowl, as that of the pelican.
POUCH, verb transitive To pocket; to save.
1.
“Quick as thought he thrust the terrible head into his magic pouch and leaped again into the air, and flew away with the speed of the wind.”
Rung 2 — Shared Vocabulary
Words you’ll meet in both Baldwin and Bulfinch — double value.
became ×84 Webster 1828
preterit tense of become [See Become.]
“Under the reign of Popery the island became the seat of a nunnery, the ruins of which are still seen.”
serpent ×54 Webster 1828
noun [Latin serpens, creeping; serpo, to creep.]
1. An animal of the order of Serpentes, [creepers, crawlers, ] Of the class of Amphibia.
“"And fabled how the serpent, whom they called Ophion, with Eurynome, (the wide- Encroaching Eve perhaps,) had first the rule Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn driven."”
chariot ×53 Webster 1828
CHARIOT,noun
1. A half coach; a carriage with four wheels and one seat behind, used for convenience and pleasure.
2.
“Vulcan was architect, smith, armorer, chariot builder, and artist of all work in Olympus.”
maiden ×49 Webster 1828
noun
1. An unmarried woman, or a young unmarried woman; a virgin.
2. A female servant.
3. It is used in composition, to express the feminine gender, as in maid-servant.
MA'IDEN, noun A maid; also, a…
“Forthwith the god was seized with love for the maiden, and she abhorred the thought of loving.”
seize ×49 Webster 1828
verb transitive
1. To fall or rush upon suddenly and lay hold on; or to gripe or grasp suddenly. The tiger rushes from the thicket and seizes his prey. A dog seizes an animal by the throat.
“Pandora was seized with an eager curiosity to know what this jar contained; and one day she slipped off the cover and looked in.”
vain ×44 Webster 1828
adjective [Latin vanus; Eng. wan, wane, want.]
1. Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance.
“Their efforts were all in vain; no dog could run it down; and at last they came to Cephalus to borrow his famous dog, whose name was Lelaps.”
nymphs ×37 Webster 1828
noun
1. In mythology, a goddess of the mountains, forests, meadows and waters. According to the ancients, all the world was full of nymphs, some terrestrial, others celestial; and these had names ass…
“The chief nymphs are the Rhine-daughters, Flosshilda, Woglinda, and Wellgunda.”
limb ×36 Webster 1828
noun lim. [Latin limbus, edge or border, extremity; limes, limit. The sense of limb is from shooting or extending.]
1. Edge or border.
“Here the goddess of the woods used to come when weary with hunting and lave her virgin limbs in the sparkling water.”
spear ×34 Webster 1828
noun
1. A long pointed weapon, used in war and hunting by thrusting or throwing; a lance.
2. A sharp pointed instrument with barbs; used for stabbing fish and other animals.
3.
“There were no such things as swords, spears, or helmets.”
flock ×34 Webster 1828
noun [Latin floccus. It is the same radically as flake, and applied to wool or hair, we write it lock. See Flake.]
1. A company or collection; applied to sheep and other small animals.
“Pan was the god of flocks and shepherds.”
altar ×28 Webster 1828
noun [Latin altare, probably from the same root as altus, high.
1. A mount; a table or elevated place, on which sacrifices where anciently offered to some deity.
“They entered the temple, deformed as it was with slime, and approached the altar, where no fire burned.”
slain ×28 Webster 1828
participle passive of slay; so written for slayen. Killed.
“"Thy own hand has slain thee, and for my sake,"”
lyre ×28 Webster 1828
noun [Latin lyra.] A stringed instrument of music, a kind of harp much used by the ancients.
“See also the same poet's "Occupation of Orion"-- "The Samian's great Aeolian lyre."”
obey ×26 Webster 1828
verb transitive [Latin obedio; Gr.]
1. To comply with the commands, orders or instructions of a superior, or with the requirements of law, moral, political or municipal; to do that which is commande…
“They obeyed the call, and took the road to the palace of heaven.”
hastened ×25 Webster 1828
participle passive Moved rapidly; accelerated; urged with speed.
“His mother, Venus, sent two of her doves to fly before him and show him the way, and by their assistance he found the tree, plucked the branch, and hastened back with it to the Sibyl.”
wandering ×23 Webster 1828
participle present tense Roving; rambling; deviating from duty.
WANDERING, noun
1. Peregrination; a traveling without a settled course.
2.
“He is not a wandering deity, but belongs to these mountains.”
gaze ×23 Webster 1828
verb intransitive [Gr. to be astonished, and Heb. to see or look, that is, to fix the eye or to reach with the eye.]
To fix the eyes and look steadily and earnestly; to look with eagerness or curiosi…
“He gave him an upright stature, so that while all other animals turn their faces downward, and look to the earth, he raises his to heaven, and gazes on the stars.”
bind ×22 Webster 1828
verb transitive
1. To tie together, or confine with a cord, or any thing that is flexible; to fasten as with a band, fillet or ligature.
2.
“Sing songs of joy, and bind your forehead with laurel,--you have conquered!”
dwell ×22 Webster 1828
verb intransitive preterit tense dwelled, usually contracted into dwelt. [See Dally.]
1. To abide as a permanent resident, or to inhabit for a time; to live in a place; to have a habitation for some…
“Their backs are green, their disproportioned bellies white, and in short they are now frogs, and dwell in the slimy pool."”
lin ×21 Webster 1828
verb intransitive To yield. obsolete
LIN, noun A pool or mere. [Not used.]
“The following lines from the "Odyssey"”
hid ×21 Webster 1828
HID
HI'DAGE, noun [from hide, a quantity of land.] An extraordinary tax formerly paid to the kings of England for every hide of land.
“If any edifice remained standing, it was overwhelmed, and its turrets lay hid beneath the waves.”
dwelt ×21 Webster 1913
1. of
Dwell.
“These people dwelt originally near the Cyclopes; but being oppressed by that savage race, they migrated to the isle of Scheria, under the conduct of Nausithous, their king.”
dar ×20 Webster 1828
DAR or DART, noun A fish found in the Severn.
“Here Phoebus dares not come, either rising, at midday, or setting.”
descend ×19 Webster 1828
verb intransitive [Latin To climb.]
1. To move or pass from a higher to a lower place; to move, come or go downwards; to fall; to sink; to run or flow down; applicable to any kind of motion or of bo…
“The last part of the road descends rapidly, and requires most careful driving.”
slew ×19 Webster 1828
preterit tense of slay.
“Apollo slew him with his arrows--weapons which he had not before used against any but feeble animals, hares, wild goats, and such game.”
alas ×18 Webster 1828
exclamation
An exclamation expressive of sorrow, grief, pity, concern, or apprehension of evil; sometimes followed by day or while; alas the day, like alack a day; or alas the while, expressing an un…
“but, alas!”
wander ×18 Webster 1828
verb intransitive [G., to wander to walk, to change, exchange or transform.]
1. To rove; to ramble here and there without any certain course or object in view; as, to wander over the fields; to wand…
“The old man had been drinking, and in that state wandered away, and was found by some peasants, who carried him to their king, Midas.”
foe ×18 Webster 1828
noun fo. [See Fiend.]
1. An enemy; one who entertains personal enmity, hatred, grudge or malice against another.
A man's foes shall be they of his own household. Matthew 10:36.
2.
“said he, "daughter of Peneus; I am not a foe.”
boar ×18 Webster 1828
noun [Latin aper, and verres.] The male of swine not castrated.
“The strength of the wild boar serves him not, nor his swiftness the stag.”
hung ×18 Webster 1828
verb transitive preterit tense and participle passive hanged or hung.
1. To suspend; to fasten to some fixed object above, in such a manner as to swing or move; as, to hang a thief.
“Lately being in the temple of Juno, at Argos, I recognized my shield hung up there among the trophies.”
slaughter ×17 Webster 1828
noun slaw'ter [See Slay.]
1. In a general sense, a killing. Applied to men, slaughter usually denotes great destruction of life by violent means; as the slaughter of men in battle.
2.
“The earth was wet with slaughter, and the gods abandoned it, one by one, till Astraea alone was left, and finally she also took her departure.”
herd ×17 Webster 1828
noun
1. A collection or assemblage; applied to beasts when feeding or driven together. We say, a herd of horses, oxen, cattle, camels, elephants, bucks, harts, and in Scripture, a herd of swine.
“Flocks, herds, men, and houses are swept away, and temples, with their sacred enclosures, profaned.”
weep ×17 Webster 1828
verb intransitive preterit tense and participle passive wept. Weeped, I believe is never used. [See Whoop. The primary sense is to cry out.]
1. To express sorrow, grief or anguish by outcry.
“Poor nymph--poor Pan--how he did weep to find Nought but a lovely sighing of the wind Along the reedy stream; a half-heard strain.”
lofty ×17 Webster 1828
adjective
1. Elevated in place; high; as a lofty tower; a lofty mountain. [But it expresses more than high, or at least is more emphatical, poetical and elegant.]
See lofty Lebanon his head advance.…
“So, having resisted as long as he could, Phoebus at last led the way to where stood the lofty chariot.”
nam ×16 Webster 1913
1. Am not. 2. imp. of
Nim.
“Jupiter, or Jove (Zeus [Footnote: The names included in parentheses are the Greek, the others being the Roman or Latin names] ), though called the father of gods and men, had himself a beginning.”
ox ×16 Webster 1828
noun plural oxen. pronoun ox'n.
The male of the bovine genus of quadrupeds, castrated and grown to his size or nearly so. The young male is called in America a steer.
“The farmer was obliged to sow the seed and the toiling ox to draw the plough.”
pierced ×16 Webster 1828
participle passive pers'ed. Penetrated; entered by force; transfixed.
“By his arrows and torch he pierced and vivified all things, producing life and joy.”
fleece ×16 Webster 1828
noun flees. [Latin vellus, from vello, to pluck or tear off.]
The coat of wool shorn from a sheep at one time.
FLEECE, verb transitive
1. To shear off a covering or growth of wool.
2.
“There you will find sheep feeding without a shepherd, with golden-shining fleeces on their backs.”
dwelling ×15 Webster 1828
participle present tense Inhabiting; residing; sojourning; continuing with fixed attention.
DWELL'ING, noun Habitation; place of residence; abode.
Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons.
“The gods had their separate dwellings; but all, when summoned, repaired to the palace of Jupiter, as did also those deities whose usual abode was the earth, the waters, or the underworld.”
Rung 3a — Bulfinch’s Everyday Words
Ordinary English Bulfinch uses that Baldwin skips.
deity ×59 Webster 1828
noun
1. Godhead; divinity; the nature and essence of the Supreme Being; as, the deity of the Supreme Being is manifest in his works.
2. God; the Supreme Being, or infinite self-existing Spirit.
3.
“The gods had their separate dwellings; but all, when summoned, repaired to the palace of Jupiter, as did also those deities whose usual abode was the earth, the waters, or the underworld.”
oracle ×52 Webster 1828
Orgal
“The oracle answered, "Depart from the temple with head veiled and garments unbound, and cast behind you the bones of your mother."”
behold ×28 Webster 1828
verb transitive preterit tense and participle passive beheld' [Latin observo, from servo, to keep.]
1.
“Behold the conquest I have won by means of them over the vast serpent who stretched his poisonous body over acres of the plain!”
isle ×25 Webster 1828
ISLE
ILE, noun ile. [Latin insula.]
1. A tract of land surrounded by water, or a detached portion of land embosomed in the ocean, in a lake or river.
The isles shall wait for his law.
“and the "Isles of the Blessed."”
heavenly ×25 Webster 1828
adjective Pertaining to heaven; celestial; as heavenly regions; heavenly bliss.
1. Resembling heaven; supremely excellent; as a heavenly lyre; a heavenly temper.
The love of heaven makes one heavenly…
“It is not known whether the creator made him of divine materials, or whether in the earth, so lately separated from heaven, there lurked still some heavenly seeds.”
mythology ×25 Webster 1828
MYTHOL'OGY,noun [Gr. a fable, and discourse.] A system of fables or fabulous opinions and doctrines respecting the deities which heathen nations have supposed to preside over the world or to influence…
“Those which follow are peculiar to Roman mythology: Saturn was an ancient Italian deity.”
garment ×25 Webster 1828
noun Any article of clothing, as a coat, a gown, etc. Garments, in the plural, denotes clothing in general; dress.
No man putteth a piece of new cloth to an old garment Matthew 9:16.
“The oracle answered, "Depart from the temple with head veiled and garments unbound, and cast behind you the bones of your mother."”
plunge ×25 Webster 1828
verb transitive
1. To thrust into water or other fluid substance, or into any substance that is penetrable; to immerse in a fluid; to drive into flesh, mire or earth, etc.; as, to plunge the body in…
“said he, and drawing his sword plunged it into his heart.”
follower ×24 Webster 1828
noun
1. One who comes, goes or moves after another, in the same course.
2. One that takes another as his guide in doctrines, opinions or example; one who receives the opinions, and imitates the examp…
“At a given signal Pan blew on his pipes, and with his rustic melody gave great satisfaction to himself and his faithful follower Midas, who happened to be present.”
vengeance ×23 Webster 1828
noun venj'ance. [Latin vindico.]
The infliction of pain on another, in return for an injury or offense.
“But the vengeance of Juno was not yet satiated.”
conquer ×22 Webster 1828
verb transitive
1. To subdue; to reduce, by physical force, till resistance is no longer made; to overcome; to vanquish. Alexander conquered Asia. The Romans conquered Carthage.
2.
“The heavenly powers who had given both were not willing that either should conquer.”
immortal ×22 Webster 1828
adjective [Latin immortalis. See Mortal.]
1. Having no principle of alteration or corruption; exempt from death; having life or being that shall never end; as an immortal soul.
To the King eternal,…
“to whose immortal eyes The sufferings of mortality, Seen in their sad reality, Were not as things that gods despise; What was thy pity's recompense?”
heavens ×21 Modern
1. (noun) the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
“Atlas was condemned to bear up the heavens on his shoulders.”
brow ×21 Webster 1828
noun [Latin palpebra.. It is probably contracted from brg, and signifies an edge, border or projection.]
1. The prominent ridge over the eye, forming an arch above the orbit.
“Apollo rose, his brow wreathed with Parnassian laurel, while his robe of Tyrian purple swept the ground.”
veil ×20 Webster 1828
noun [Latin velum.
1. A cover; a curtain; something to intercept the view and lude an object.
2. A cover; a disguise. [See Vail.
“The oracle answered, "Depart from the temple with head veiled and garments unbound, and cast behind you the bones of your mother."”
prevail ×19 Webster 1828
verb intransitive [Latin proevaleo; proe, before, and valeo, to be strong or well. Valeo seems to be from the same root as the Eng. well.
“Truth and right prevailed, though not enforced by law, nor was there any magistrate to threaten or punish.”
divinity ×18 Webster 1828
noun [Latin]
1. The state of being divine; Deity; Godhead; the nature or essence of God. Christians ascribe divinity to one Supreme Being only.
2.
“The so- called divinities of Olympus have not a single worshipper among living men.”
bard ×18 Webster 1828
noun
1. A poet and a singer among the ancient Celts; one whose occupation was to compose and sing verses, in honor of the heroic achievements of princes and brave men.
“alludes to him: "Phillips, Pomona's bard, the second thou Who nobly durst, in rhyme-unfettered verse, With British freedom, sing the British song."”
rite ×17 Webster 1828
noun [Latin ritus.]
The manner of performing divine or solemn service as established by law, precept or custom; formal act of religion, or other solemn duty.
“The goddess, at length, could not bear any longer to be pleaded with for one already dead, and to have hands raised to her altars that ought rather to be offering funeral rites.”
solemn ×17 Webster 1828
adjective sol'em. [Latin solennis, form soleo, to be accustomed, to use, that is, to hold on or continue, as we have wont.]
1. Anniversary; observed once a year with religious ceremonies.
“I call to witness that dreadful lake, which I never saw, but which we gods swear by in our most solemn engagements."”
inquire ×17 Webster 1828
verb intransitive [Latin inquiro; in and quoero, to seek.]
1. To ask a question; to seek for truth or information by asking questions.
We will call the damsel and inquire at her mouth.
“But as we cannot, let us seek yonder temple, and inquire of the gods what remains for us to do."”
disguise ×16 Webster 1828
verb transitive disgize.
1. To conceal by an unusual habit, or mask. Men sometimes disguise themselves fro the purpose of committing crimes without danger of detection.
“Inachus recognized it, and discovering that his daughter, whom he had long sought in vain, was hidden under this disguise, mourned over her, and, embracing her white neck, exclaimed, "Alas!”
attendant ×16 Webster 1828
adjective
1. Accompanying; being present, or in the train.
Other suns with their attendant moons.
2.
“Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, was her attendant and messenger.”
admiration ×16 Webster 1828
noun Wonder mingled with pleasing emotions, as approbation, esteem, love or veneration; a compound emotion excited by something novel, rare, great, or excellent; applied to persons and their works.
“While the daring youth, gazed in admiration, the early Dawn threw open the purple doors of the east, and showed the pathway strewn with roses.”
endeavor ×16 Webster 1828
noun endev'or. An effort; an essay; an attempt; an exertion of physical strength, or the intellectual powers, towards the attainment of an object.
The bold and sufficient pursue their game with more…
“He rushed to the place, and found her bleeding, and with sinking strength endeavoring to draw forth from the wound the javelin, her own gift.”
exploit ×15 Webster 1828
noun
1. A deed or act; more especially, a heroic act; a deed of renown; a great or noble achievement; as the exploits of Alexander, of Caesar, of Washington.
“He would have been well pleased to see the exploits of his dogs, but to feel them was too much.”
thirst ×15 Webster 1828
noun thurst. [Latin torreo.]
1. A painful sensation of the throat or fauces, occasioned by the want of drink.
Wherefore is it that thou hast brought us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and…
“As she sat alone in the dim light of the evening she descried a lioness, her jaws reeking with recent slaughter, approaching the fountain to slake her thirst.”
erect ×15 Webster 1828
adjective [Latin erectus, from erigo, to set upright; e and rego, to stretch or make straight, right, rectus. See Right.]
1. Upright, or in a perpendicular posture; as, he stood erect
2.
“The agile youth sprang into the chariot, stood erect, and grasped the reins with delight, pouring out thanks to his reluctant parent.”
rejoice ×15 Webster 1828
verb intransitive rejois'.
To experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to be exhilarated with lively and pleasurable sensations; to exult.
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…
“There the inhabitants divine rejoice Forever"--Cowper.”
conquest ×14 Webster 1828
noun [The primary sense is to seek, to press or drive towards.]
1. The act of conquering; the act of overcoming or vanquishing opposition by force, physical or moral.
“Behold the conquest I have won by means of them over the vast serpent who stretched his poisonous body over acres of the plain!”
ode ×14 Webster 1828
noun [Latin ode; Gr.] A short poem or song; a poetical composition proper to be set to music or sung; a lyric poem.
“Thus Gray, in his ode on the "Progress of Poesy,"”
convey ×13 Webster 1828
verb transitive [Latin , to carry; to weigh. See Weigh and Way.]
1. To carry , bear or transport, either by land or water, or in air; as, to convey a letter or a package; to convey goods from England…
“There the sun-god embarked in a winged boat, which conveyed him round by the northern part of the earth, back to his place of rising in the east.”
endure ×13 Webster 1828
verb transitive [Latin durus, duro.]
1. To last; to continue in the same state without perishing; to remain; to abide.
The Lord shall endure forever.
“Then, first, men had to endure the extremes of heat and cold, and houses became necessary.”
render ×13 Webster 1828
noun [from rend.] One that tears by violence.
REN'DER, verb transitive [This is probably the Latin reddo, with a casually inserted.]
1.
“Jupiter gave her to Vulcan, in gratitude for the service he had rendered in forging thunderbolts.”
iris ×13 Webster 1828
noun plural irises. [Latin iris iridis, the rainbow.]
1. The rainbow.
2. An appearance resembling the rainbow.
3.
“Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, was her attendant and messenger.”
renew ×13 Webster 1828
verb transitive [Latin renovo; re and novo, or re and new.]
1. To renovate; to restore to a former state, or to a good state, after decay or depravation; to rebuild; to repair.
Asa renewed the altar…
“Jupiter had him chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus, where a vulture preyed on his liver, which was renewed as fast as devoured.”
furnished ×13 Webster 1828
adjective Supplied; garnished; fitted with necessaries.
“Another story is that Pandora was sent in good faith, by Jupiter, to bless man; that she was furnished with a box, containing her marriage presents, into which every god had put some blessing.”
celestial ×13 Webster 1828
adjective
1. Heavenly; belonging or relating to heaven; dwelling in heaven; as celestial spirits; celestial joys. Hence the word conveys the idea of superior excellence, delight, purity, etc.
2.
“He also shod with brass the celestial steeds, which whirled the chariots of the gods through the air, or along the surface of the sea.”
hesitate ×12 Webster 1828
verb intransitive s as z. [Latin haesito, haereo, to hang.]
1. To stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be doubtful as to fact, principle or determination; to be in suspense or uncertainty…
“While she hesitated she saw the form of one struggling in the agonies of death.”
resemble ×12 Webster 1828
verb transitive s as z. [See similar.]
1. To have the likeness of; to bear the similitude of something, either in form, figure or qualities.
“Around him lie dreams, resembling all various forms, as many as the harvest bears stalks, or the forest leaves, or the seashore sand grains.”
revive ×12 Webster 1828
verb intransitive [Latin revivisco; re and vivo, to live.]
1. To return to life; to recover life.
The soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. 1 Kings 17:22. Romans 14:9.
2.
“Cephalus raised her from the earth, strove to stanch the blood, and called her to revive and not to leave him miserable, to reproach himself with her death.”
banquet ×12 Webster 1828
noun A feast; a rich entertainment of meat and drink. Esther 5:4. Job xli. Amos 6:7.
BAN'QUET, verb transitive To treat with a feast, or rich entertainment.
BAN'QUET, verb intransitive To feast; to…
“The gods favored them so highly that they were wont to leave at times their Olympian abodes and go to share their sacrifices and banquets.”
confess ×11 Webster 1828
verb transitive [Latin , to own or acknowledge.]
1. To own, acknowledge or avow, as a crime, a fault, a charge, a debt, or something that is against one's interest, or reputation.
Human faults with hu…
“We owe you, we confess, the privilege of transmitting loving words to willing ears."”
obliged ×11 Webster 1828
participle passive Bound in duty or in law; compelled; constrained; favored; indebted.
“The farmer was obliged to sow the seed and the toiling ox to draw the plough.”
cruelty ×11 Webster 1828
noun [Latin]
1. Inhumanity; a savage or barbarous disposition or temper, which is gratified in giving unnecessary pain or distress to others; barbarity; applied to persons; as the cruelty of savages;…
“Remember that the gods punish cruelty, and that Venus hates a hard heart, and will visit such offences sooner or later.”
concealed ×11 Webster 1828
participle passive Kept close or secret; hid; withdrawn from sight; covered.
“Then she stole out after him, and concealed herself in the place where the informer directed her.”
accustomed ×11 Webster 1828
participle passive
1. Being familiar by use; habituated; inured.
2. adjective Usual; often practiced; as in their accustomed manner.
“Next morning, when Aurora had put out the stars, and the sun had melted the frost from the grass, they met at the accustomed spot.”
scarce ×11 Webster 1828
adjective
1. Not plentiful or abundant; being in small quantity in proportion to the demand.
“Atlas faints, and scarce holds up his burden.”
dart ×11 Webster 1828
noun [Gr., a spear or lance.]
1. A pointed missile weapon to be thrown by the hand; a short lance.
2.
“No sooner was the dog let loose than he darted off, quicker than their eye could follow him.”
traveller ×11 Modern
1. (noun) a person who changes location
“On one occasion as he was travelling with his wife, they came to a river, across which the Centaur Nessus carried travellers for a stated fee.”
Rung 3b — Bulfinch’s Literary Language
Literary, poetic, and classical words — the flavor of 1855.
alludes ×64 Webster 1828
verb intransitive [Latin alludo, to smile upon or make sport with of ad and ludo, to play.]
To refer to something not directly mentioned; to have reference; to hint at by remote suggestions; as, tha…
“Wordsworth thus alludes to the worship of the Persians: "...”
nymph ×32 Webster 1828
noun
1. In mythology, a goddess of the mountains, forests, meadows and waters. According to the ancients, all the world was full of nymphs, some terrestrial, others celestial; and these had names ass…
“This was of old, in no inglorious days, The mode of spinning, when the Egyptian prince A golden distaff gave that beauteous nymph, Too beauteous Helen; no uncourtly gift."”
exclaimed ×27 Webster 1828
verb intransitive [Latin exclamo; ex and clamo, to cry out. See Claim, Clamor.]
1. To utter the voice with vehemence; to cry out; to make a loud outcry in words; as, to exclaim against oppression; t…
“exclaimed the woman, "have all things sworn to spare Baldur?"”
allusion ×26 Webster 1828
noun alluzhun. [Latin See Allude.]
A reference to something not explicitly mentioned; a hint; a suggestion, by which something is applied or understood to belong to that which is not mentioned, by m…
“See this last allusion explained in Chapter XXVII.”
proverbial ×25 Webster 1828
PROVERB'IAL,adjective Mentioned in a proverb; as a proverbial cure or remedy.
In case of excesses, I take the German proverbial cure, by a hair of the same beast, to be the worst in the world.
1.
“Having found him, [Footnote: See Proverbial Expressions.] he rode round him in a circle, throwing one javelin after another, while Aeneas stood fenced with his shield, turning every way to meet them.”
beheld ×25 Webster 1828
preterit tense and participle passive of behold, which see.
“But when Loki beheld the scene he was sorely vexed that Baldur was not hurt.”
inhabitants ×23 Webster 1828
noun A dweller; one who dwells or resides permanently in a place, or who has a fixed residence, as distinguished from an occasional lodger or visitor; as the inhabitant of a house or cottage; the inh…
“Columba, the apostle of the Highlands, by whom the inhabitants of that district were first led to profess Christianity.”
destined ×21 Webster 1828
participle passive Ordained; appointed by previous determination; devoted; fixed unalterably.
“The heroes are children of the gods, but also mingled with a mortal strain; they are destined to become at last the highest race of all, and to succeed the gods in the government of the world.”
suitors ×20 Webster 1828
noun One that sues or prosecutes a demand of right in law, as a plaintiff, petitioner or appellant.
1.
“The suitors, in amazement, looked round for arms, but found none, neither was there any way of escape, for Eumaeus had secured the door.”
abode ×19 Webster 1828
preterit tense of abide
ABO'DE, noun [See Abide.]
1. Stay; continuance in a place; residence for a longer or shorter time.
2. A place of continuance; a dwelling; a habitation.
3.
“Asgard is the name of the abode of the gods, access to which is only gained by crossing the bridge Bifrost (the rainbow).”
javelin ×19 Webster 1828
, noun A sort of spear about five feet and a half long, the shaft of which was of wood, but pointed with steel; used by horse or foot. Every Roman soldier carried seven javelins.
“Intent on the chase she observed not her danger, and the javelin of Aruns struck her and inflicted a fatal wound.”
plough ×16 Webster 1828
PLOUGH. [See Plow.]
“Isis showed them first the use of wheat and barley, and Osiris made the instruments of agriculture and taught men the use of them, as well as how to harness the ox to the plough.”
endowed ×15 Webster 1828
participle passive Furnished with a portion of estate; having dower settled on; supplied with a permanent fund; indued.
“One author, Pennant, says, "The Bards were supposed to be endowed with powers equal to inspiration.”
countenance ×15 Webster 1828
noun [Latin , to hold.]
1. Literally, the contents of a body; the outline and extent which constitutes the whole figure or external appearance.
“She may easily be recognized, for her body is half flesh color and half blue, and she has a dreadfully stern and forbidding countenance.”
steeds ×14 Webster 1828
noun A horse, or a horse for state or war. [This word is not much used in common discourse.
“It may be thus translated--"Then struck the hoofs of the steeds on the ground with a four-footed trampling."--See Proverbial Expressions.] having sent back the rest of his party in the ships.”
splendor ×13 Webster 1828
noun [Latin See Plant and Planet.]
1. Great brightness; brilliant luster; as the splendor of the sun.
2.
“But what trace or mark shall point out the perpetrator from amidst the vast multitude attracted by the splendor of the feast?”
box ×13 Webster 1828
noun [Lat. buxus, the tree, and pyxis, a box; Gr. a box and the tree.]
A coffer or chest, either of wood or metal.
“His wife, Iduna, keeps in a box the apples which the gods, when they feel old age approaching, have only to taste of to become young again.”
bosom ×13 Webster 1828
noun s as z.
1. The breast of a human being and the parts adjacent.
2. The folds or covering of clothes about the breast.
Put thy hand in thy bosom Exodus 4:6.
3.
“While he spoke the sword fell, and pierced the comely bosom of Euryalus.”
thrice ×13 Webster 1828
adverb [from three; perhaps three, and Latin vice.]
1. Three times.
Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice Matthew 26:34.
2.
“568: "Like those Hesperian gardens famed of old, Fortunate fields and groves and flowery vales, Thrice happy isles."”
oars ×13 Webster 1828
noun An instrument for rowing boats, being a piece of timber round or square at one end, and flat at the other.
“The Trojans plied their oars and soon left them out of sight.”
thence ×12 Webster 1828
adverb thens.
1. From that place.
When you depart thence shake off the dust of your feet. Mark 6:1.
It is more usual, though not necessary, to use from before thence
Then will I send and fetch thee…
“The soul passes hither and thither, occupying now this body, now that, passing from the body of a beast into that of a man, and thence to a beast's again.”
aloft ×12 Webster 1828
adverb [a and loft. See Loft and Luff.]
1. On high; in the air; high above the ground; as, the eagle soars aloft
2.
“She ascended it, and borne aloft made her way to distant regions, where potent plants grew which she knew how to select for her purpose.”
yonder ×12 Webster 1828
YOND, YONDER adjective [G.] Being at a distance within view.
Yonder men are too many for an embassy.
Read thy lot in yon celestial sign.
Yon flowery arbors, YONDER alleys green.
YON, YOND, YONDER, a…
“She replied, "Baldur hath ridden over Gyoll's bridge, and yonder lieth the way he took to the abodes of death"”
besought ×12 Webster 1828
besaut'. participle passive of beseech. Entreated; implored; sought by entreaty.
“The next morning he besought Hela to let Baldur ride home with him, assuring her that nothing but lamentations were to be heard among the gods.”
alluded ×11 Webster 1828
verb intransitive [Latin alludo, to smile upon or make sport with of ad and ludo, to play.]
To refer to something not directly mentioned; to have reference; to hint at by remote suggestions; as, tha…
“The prediction above alluded to is contained in the closing lines of the "Metamorphoses,"”
forbade ×11 Webster 1913
1. imp. of
Forbid.
“But Pallas forbade the solemnities to be interrupted, and seizing a weapon, stepped forward to the river's bank.”
repose ×11 Webster 1828
verb transitive s as z. [Latin repono, reposui.]
1. To lay at rest.
- After the toil of battle, to repose your wearied virtue.
2.
“They are characterized by grave and dignified beauty, and freedom from any transient expression, which in the language of art is called repose.”
worshippers ×10 Modern
1. (noun) a person who has religious faith 2. (noun) someone who admires too much to recognize faults
“The name by which those who submitted to the rule were known was that of Culdees, probably from the Latin "cultores Dei"--worshippers of God.”
mariners ×10 Webster 1828
noun [Latin mare, the sea.] A seaman or sailor; one whose occupation is to assist in navigating ships.
“This blissful region may have been wholly imaginary, but possibly may have sprung from the reports of some storm-driven mariners who had caught a glimpse of the coast of America.”
adorned ×10 Webster 1828
participle passive Decked; decorated; embellished.
“The throne was of cedar, adorned with gold and precious stones.”
mingled ×10 Webster 1828
participle passive Mixed; united promiscuously.
“The heroes are children of the gods, but also mingled with a mortal strain; they are destined to become at last the highest race of all, and to succeed the gods in the government of the world.”
lamentations ×10 Webster 1828
noun [Latin lamentatio.]
1. Expression of sorrow; cries of grief; the act of bewailing.
In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weeping. Matthew 2:18.
2.
“The next morning he besought Hela to let Baldur ride home with him, assuring her that nothing but lamentations were to be heard among the gods.”
basilisk ×10 Webster 1828
noun s as z. [Latin basiliscus.]
1. A fabulous serpent, called a cockatrice, and said to be produced from a cock's egg brooded by a serpent.
“Be thou like the imperial basilisk, Killing thy foe with unapparent wounds!”
mallet ×10 Webster 1828
noun [Latin malleus.] A wooden hammer or instrument for beating, or for driving pins; particularly used in carpentry, for driving the chisel.
“A little before daybreak he perceived that Skrymir was again fast asleep, and again grasping his mallet, he dashed it with such violence that it forced its way into the giant's skull up to the handle.”
bestowed ×9 Webster 1828
participle present tense Given gratuitously; conferred; laid out; applied; deposited for safe-keeping.
“Odin then gave them life and soul, Vili reason and motion, and Ve bestowed upon them the senses, expressive features, and speech.”
draught ×9 Webster 1828
noun Draft. [from draw, drag.]
1. The act of drawing; as a horse or ox fit for draught
2. The quality of being drawn; as a cart of plow of easy draught
3.
“But at a hunting banquet Siegfried is given another magic draught, remembers all, and is slain by Hagan by a blow in the back, as he calls on Brunhild's name in love.”
girdle ×9 Webster 1828
noun
1. A band or belt; something drawn round the waist of a person, and tied or buckled; as a girdle of fine lines; a leathern girdle
2. Inclosure; circumference.
3. The zodiac.
4.
“That goddess had arrayed herself in all her charms, and to crown all had borrowed of Venus her girdle, called "Cestus,"”
hapless ×9 Webster 1828
adjective Luckless; unfortunate; unlucky; unhappy; as hapless youth; hapless maid.
“Her temper grew as ugly as her form, and she took pleasure in devouring hapless mariners who came within her grasp.”
feeble ×9 Webster 1828
adjective [I know not the origin of the first syllable.]
1. Weak; destitute of much physical strength; as, infants are feeble at their birth.
2. Infirm; sickly; debilitated by disease.
3.
“replied Frigga, "except one little shrub that grows on the eastern side of Valhalla, and is called Mistletoe, and which I thought too young and feeble to crave an oath from."”
displeasure ×9 Webster 1828
noun Displezhur.
1. Some irritation or uneasiness of the mind, occasioned by any thing that counteracts desire or command, or which opposes justice and a sense of propriety.
“But having incurred the displeasure of the gods they were driven by storms from shore to shore of the Mediterranean, visiting Cyprus, Phoenicia, and Egypt.”
astonished ×9 Webster 1828
participle passive Amazed; confounded with fear, surprise, or admiration.
“All were astonished, and viewed their guest with greatly increased respect.”
propitious ×9 Webster 1828
adjective [Latin propitius.] Favorable; kind; applied to men.
1. Disposed to be gracious or merciful; ready to forgive sins and bestow blessings; applied to God.
2. Favorable; as a propitious season.
“His sister Freya is the most propitious of the goddesses.”
ensued ×9 Webster 1828
verb transitive [Latin sequor, to follow. See Seek.]
To follow; to pursue.
Seek peace, and ensue it.
“Another battle ensued, in which Camilla, the virgin warrior, was chiefly conspicuous.”
abodes ×8 Webster 1828
preterit tense of abide
ABO'DE, noun [See Abide.]
1. Stay; continuance in a place; residence for a longer or shorter time.
2. A place of continuance; a dwelling; a habitation.
3.
“She replied, "Baldur hath ridden over Gyoll's bridge, and yonder lieth the way he took to the abodes of death"”
bestow ×8 Webster 1913
1. To lay up in store; to
deposit for safe keeping; to stow; to place; to put. 2. To use; to apply; to devote, as time or strength
in some occupation. 3. To expend, as money. 4.
“After he had thus made the valley of the Nile a happy country, he assembled a host with which he went to bestow his blessings upon the rest of the world.”
workmanship ×8 Webster 1828
noun
1. Manufacture; something made, particularly by manual labor. Exodus 31:3.
2. That which is effected, made or produced. Ephesians 2:10.
3.
“He opened his treasuries and took out rich garments and cloths, with ten talents in gold and two splendid tripods and a golden cup of matchless workmanship.”
astonishment ×8 Webster 1828
noun Amazement; confusion of mind from fear, surprise or admiration, at an extraordinary or unexpected event.
“The enormous size of the stones struck the gods with astonishment, and they saw clearly that the horse did one-half more of the toilsome work than his master.”