Definition: (adjective) Devoid of creatures.
Synonyms: lonely, solitary.
Usage: The reference library is quite unfrequented as a rule, and the silence there is so intense that I often find myself holding my breath in a subconscious effort to remain noiseless.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Home to the British colony of Gibraltar, the Rock of Gibraltar is a limestone promontory at the tip of Spain that guards the northeastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. It contains many caves and defense works and is home to a colony of macaques—the only wild primates in Europe. Known also by its Latin name, Calpe, the Rock of Gibraltar is considered one of the Pillars of Hercules described in ancient mythology. What is the other “pillar”? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Experiencing or accompanied by sleeplessness.
Synonyms: sleepless, watchful.
Usage: Every night, I’m woken by the sound of creaking floorboards as my insomniac husband leaves for another late-night snack.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
In 1908, the Rev. Paul Watson proposed a week-long observance dedicated to Christian unity to be scheduled between the feasts of St. Peter’s Chair (January 18) and St. Paul (January 25), the two great leaders of the first Christians. The World Council of Churches maintains these dates. Each year an inter-denominational committee selects a scriptural theme and prepares the outlines of a worship service for each day of the Week of Prayer. Individual congregations are free to use the material as is, or vary it to suit local practices and traditions. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Although he was illiterate, Akbar, the third and greatest Mughal Emperor, was a great lover of the arts and learning. His passion for knowledge led him to attract men of genius to his court, including Abulfazl, whom he commissioned to write his official biography. The three-volume work, known as the Akbarnama, contains an account of Akbar’s reign, which lasted from 1556 to 1605; a history of Akbar’s ancestors; and an administrative report of the empire. How many years did it take to complete? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are kept or meetings are held.
Synonyms: vestry.
Usage: We were admitted to the sacristy and shown the magnificent robes which the Pope wore when he crowned Napoleon I.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
Born in Boston on this day in 1706, Benjamin Franklin helped edit, and was a signer of, the Declaration of Independence. He also helped to frame the Constitution. When he died in 1790 in Philadelphia, he was given the most impressive funeral that city had ever seen: 20,000 people attended. In Philadelphia, the Franklin Institute Science Museum holds a two-day “birthday bash” that often involves people dressing as Franklin. The celebration takes place on the weekend preceding Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is the Monday after Jan. 15. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
During the Middle Ages, England and Scotland were almost constantly at war. Born out of these conflicts were the border reivers, English and Scottish raiders loyal only to their families or clans. They raided both sides of the Anglo-Scottish border impartially, rustling cattle, stealing household goods, and taking prisoners for ransom. Considered the finest light cavalry in Europe, reivers sometimes hired themselves out as mercenaries or were forced into army service. What was a “Hot Trod”? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Someone who is no longer popular.
Synonyms: back-number.
Usage: There is a fine line between pop star and washed-up has-been, and the poor sales of her newest record seem to indicate that she has crossed it.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
After the fall of Rome, the island of Sicily passed from the Vandals to the Goths in 493 CE and then to the Byzantines in 535 CE. After two centuries of raiding, the Arabs conquered the island when Euphemius, the commander of the Byzantine fleet, defected. The Emirate of Sicily remained under Islamic rule from 965 to 1060 CE, during which time agriculture, commerce, and arts and sciences were promoted. Who led the Norman conquest of Sicily that ultimately displaced the Arabs? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary