Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

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

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

third-person singular of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

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

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

past form of “beach” — land on a beach

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

next to; at the side of

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

someone who drives or rides in a boat

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

in a busy manner

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

traveling across

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

coming down or downward

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

-ing form of “discharge” — complete or carry out

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

apart from; not including

From this reading Except the warder stalking to and fro on the wall, and the crew of the war-ship, there was no one visible.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

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

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

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

From this reading Except the warder stalking to and fro on the wall, and the crew of the war-ship, there was no one visible.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

an association of criminals

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

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

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

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

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

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

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

sing with closed lips

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

deeply or markedly affected or influenced

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

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

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

weight to be borne or conveyed

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

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

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

past form of “moor” — secure in or as if in a berth or dock

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

not any; not one

From this reading Except the warder stalking to and fro on the wall, and the crew of the war-ship, there was no one visible.

not one, and not any

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

being perceived or observed

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

transport commercially

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

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

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

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

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

a hunt for game carried on by following it stealthily or waiting in ambush

From this reading Except the warder stalking to and fro on the wall, and the crew of the war-ship, there was no one visible.

possessive form of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

plural of “store” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

carry out

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

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

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

in or at that place or location

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

propel through the air

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

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

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

in the direction of

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

hard to endure

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-one and one

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

the labor of taking a load of something off of or out of a vehicle or ship or container etc.

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.

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

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading Except the warder stalking to and fro on the wall, and the crew of the war-ship, there was no one visible.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading As he walked beside the creek trying to call the attention of some boatman to take him across, he was impressed by the silence, for though the city wall was not much more than a stone's throw distant, there was none of the usual hum which arises from the movements of people.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

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

From this reading Except the warder stalking to and fro on the wall, and the crew of the war-ship, there was no one visible.

a person who works in a prison and is in charge of prisoners

From this reading Except the warder stalking to and fro on the wall, and the crew of the war-ship, there was no one visible.

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

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The ship of war, which had arrived before him, was beached close up by a gate of the city, which opened on the creek or port, and her crew were busily engaged discharging her stores.

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

From this reading THE CITY Slowly descending towards the city, Felix looked in vain for any means of crossing the channel or creek, which extended upon the side of it, and in which he counted twenty-two merchant vessels at anchor, or moored to the bank, besides a number of smaller craft and boats.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading On looking closer he noticed, too, that there were few persons on the merchant vessels, and not one gang at work loading or unloading.