Chapter VI

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

anew

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

at or in the front

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

(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 Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

in addition

From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.

serving or used in place of another

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

plural of “alternative” — one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

dearly loved

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.

plural of “billow” — a large sea wave

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

plural of “bit” — a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

processing that involves blowing a gas

From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

an occurrence of something

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

take exception to

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.

taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

divisible by two

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.

a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale

From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.

secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

possessive form of “harm” — any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

the activity of transporting goods by truck

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

a native or inhabitant of Italy

From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

engage in

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.

the optimistic feeling that all is going to turn out well

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

past form of “pound” — hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

in a precarious manner

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

more desirable than another

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

one of four equal parts

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

precisely, exactly

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

abounding in rocks or stones

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

plural of “roller” — a grounder that rolls along the infield

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

held in check with difficulty

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

successive (without a break)

From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.

lighted by sunlight

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

fasten with tacks

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

a special situation

From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

fall down, as if collapsing

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)

From this reading The wind was blowing with all the violence of a summer Italian gale straight down the bay from the open sea.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.

in or at the place that

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading But even this seemed preferable to the other alternative, for to beat out again in such a sea seemed really a challenge to the elements to swamp him, in which case he was like to lose the _Amphitrite_ and his own life as well.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading There seemed to be two alternatives, the one to beat out to sea again and come in on another tack, the other to run before the wind to the head of the bay, away to the right, where he knew there was a sandy beach, tumble himself out as best he might, and, he was afraid, see his beloved _Amphitrite_ being pounded to bits by the rollers; for, with all his optimism, he could not picture himself hauling her up out of harm's way.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading He wondered also what was the best thing to do if he could not.

showing curiosity

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Archie was precariously perched on the side of his little Una-rigged, red-sailed boat, looking with dancing blue eyes at the rocky coast all smothered in billows and sunlit spray some quarter of a mile ahead, and wondering if he would be able to make the harbour of Silorno on this tack.