used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
not being in a specified place
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
anchornounUS /ˈæŋkər/
a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading REBBY DECIDES The next morning dawned bright and tranquil.
ashoreadverbUS /əˈʃɔːr/
towards the shore from the water
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
attacksnounUS /əˈtæks/
plural of “attack” — (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading REBBY DECIDES The next morning dawned bright and tranquil.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
the people of Great Britain
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
give encouragement to
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
consternationnounUS /ˌkɑːnstərˈneɪʃən/
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
convoyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
cordiallyadverbUS /ˈkɔːrdʒəli/
in a hearty manner
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
cruisersnounUS /ˈkruːzərz/
plural of “cruiser” — a car in which policemen cruise the streets; equipped with radiotelephonic communications to headquarters
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
dawnedverbUS /dɔːnd/
past form of “dawn” — become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
From this reading REBBY DECIDES The next morning dawned bright and tranquil.
DECIDESverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdz/
third-person singular of “decide” — reach, make, or come to a decision about something
From this reading REBBY DECIDES The next morning dawned bright and tranquil.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
explainingverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
flagnounUS /flæɡ/
emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
moving swiftly
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
fragrancenounUS /ˈfreɪɡrəns/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
brought together in one place
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
greetingnounUS /ˈɡriːtɪŋ/
(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
gunboatnounUS /ˈɡʌnboʊt/
a small shallow-draft boat carrying mounted guns; used by costal patrols
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
harborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
hatedadjectiveUS /ˈheɪtəd/
treated with dislike or contempt
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
Horton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
United States labor leader (born in Ireland) who helped to found the Industrial Workers of the World (1830-1930)
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
Lucia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
Machias
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
meadowsnounUS /ˈmedoʊz/
plural of “meadow” — a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
the force of workers available
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading REBBY DECIDES The next morning dawned bright and tranquil.
a form of address for a man
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading REBBY DECIDES The next morning dawned bright and tranquil.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
old-timeadjective
attractively old-fashioned (but not necessarily authentic)
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
and nothing more
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
pinenounUS /paɪn/
a coniferous tree
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
Polly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
provisionsnounUS /prəˈvɪʒənz/
a stock or supply of foods
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
REBBY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading REBBY DECIDES The next morning dawned bright and tranquil.
sailingnounUS /ˈseɪlɪŋ/
the work of a sailor
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
settlementnounUS /ˈsetəlmənt/
a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
without speaking
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
sloops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading REBBY DECIDES The next morning dawned bright and tranquil.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
tranquiladjectiveUS /ˈtræŋkwəl/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading REBBY DECIDES The next morning dawned bright and tranquil.
UnitynounUS /ˈjuːnəti/
an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Captain Jones came ashore, greeting his old-time friends cordially, and explaining that the presence of the gunboat was only to protect him from attacks by British cruisers.
look attentively
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
accept gladly
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
WestonnounUS /ˈwestən/
United States photographer(1886-1958)
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
wharfnounUS /wɔːrf/
a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
wharves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
at the time that
From this reading The provisions the sloops were bringing were greatly needed; but when Mr. Weston had told the men of the settlement that the sloops were being convoyed by a British war vessel their alarm and consternation can be imagined.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Mrs. Horton and Lucia were about the only ones absent from the wharf when, silently and without a cheer of welcome, the _Polly_ and _Unity_, and the boat flying the hated English flag came to anchor.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading The fragrance of pine woods and broad meadows filled the air, and practically all the inhabitants of Machias gathered about the wharves to watch for the _Polly_ and _Unity_ to come sailing into harbor.
