1
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
12th
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
2
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
24
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
42
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
58
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
65
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
asternadverb
stern foremost or backward
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
averagedverbUS /ˈævrədʒd/
past form of “average” — amount to or come to an average, without loss or gain
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
without deviation
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
being one more than seven
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
being one more than ten
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
famishedadjectiveUS /ˈfæmɪʃt/
extremely hungry
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
faredverbUS /ferd/
past form of “fare” — proceed or get along
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
favorableadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪvərəbəl/
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/
the month following January and preceding March
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
foremastnoun
the mast nearest the bow in vessels with two or more masts
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
in a gradual manner
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
gunboatnounUS /ˈɡʌnboʊt/
a small shallow-draft boat carrying mounted guns; used by costal patrols
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
knotsnounUS /nɑːts/
plural of “knot” — a tight cluster of people or things
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
latitudenounUS /ˈlætətuːd/
the angular distance between an imaginary line around a heavenly body parallel to its equator and the equator itself
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
longitudenounUS /ˈlɑːndʒətuːd/
the angular distance between a point on any meridian and the prime meridian at Greenwich
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
lulledverbUS /lʌld/
past form of “lull” — calm by deception
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
molestedverbUS /məˈlestɪd/
past form of “molest” — harass or assault sexually; make indecent advances to
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
information about recent and important events
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
the middle of the day
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
and nothing more
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
by chance
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
piratesnounUS /ˈpaɪrəts/
plural of “pirate” — someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
the possibility of future success
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
quarter-deck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
move hurridly
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
starboardnounUS /ˈstɑːrbərd/
the right side of a ship or aircraft to someone who is aboard and facing the bow or nose
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
a clam that is usually steamed in the shell
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
stripesnounUS /straɪps/
V-shaped sleeve badge indicating military rank and service
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading We had not thought of being molested by southern pirates,[42] but hoped she might prove to be a gunboat of our Government; and being nearly famished, after a five months’ fast, for news from home, were happy in the prospect of hearing how it fared with our country.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
be awake, be alert, be there
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A little before four o’clock I went to the quarter-deck, and seated myself on the starboard side, not far back of the stern.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
at the time that
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At noon of that day, when in latitude 24° 1′ north and longitude 65° 58′ west, our captain and officers observed a sail in our wake, which gradually gained upon us, until it could be plainly seen that she was a steamer.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading From the 2d of February to the 12th we had favorable winds, and for three or four days our speed had averaged ten or eleven knots an hour.
in the company of; together with
From this reading At this time the wind had lulled, and we were only making eight knots an hour; so that about three o’clock in the afternoon the strange sail was distant from us perhaps six miles, and following directly astern, with the “stars and stripes” run up on her foremast.
