Chapter XVII

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

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

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

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

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

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

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

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

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

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

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

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

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

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

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

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

a long trough for feeding cattle

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

plural of “conclusion” — a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

fall or come down violently

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

causing or capable of causing death

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

a small fast lightly armored but heavily armed warship

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

being one more than seven

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

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

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

living quarters consisting of a superstructure in the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

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

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

plural of “funnel” — a conical shape with a wider and a narrower opening at the two ends

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

plural of “furnace” — an enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to heat buildings, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc.

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

a person of German nationality

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

destroyed or killed

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

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

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

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

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

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

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

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

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

and nothing more

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

past form of “launch” — set up or found

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

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

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

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

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

the force of workers available

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

the guidance of ships or airplanes from place to place

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

not any; not one

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

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

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

and nothing more

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

above and across; more than

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

to extremes

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

tilling the land with a plow

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

past form of “pour” — cause to run

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

-ing form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

characterized by resonance

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

past form of “rouse” — become active

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

plural of “sea” — a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

without speaking

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

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

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

plural of “spark” — a momentary flash of light

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

move hurridly

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

sit on one's heels

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

any vertical post or rod used as a support

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

possessing sweep

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

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

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

fearless daring

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

not permanent; not lasting

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

past form of “tend” — have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

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

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

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

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading In spite of the heavy seas she was cleared for action; life-lines took the place of the stanchion rails and afforded the only means of preventing the bluejackets being swept overboard by the green seas that poured completely over the raised fo'c'sle.

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

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

plural of “torpedo” — a professional killer who uses a gun

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

plural of “tube” — conduit consisting of a long hollow object (usually cylindrical) used to hold and conduct objects or liquids or gases

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

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

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

look attentively

From this reading THE MIDDLE WATCH A DULL, reverberating crash roused Flight-sub-lieutenant Barcroft from his temporary bunk on board H.M. torpedo-boat destroyer "Audax."

plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

(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 So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

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

From this reading So well were her oil-fed furnaces tended that no tell-tale sparks escaped from her four squat funnels.

during the time that

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading "Eight bells," midnight, had just gone--silently, for the destroyer was ploughing through the waves at break-neck speed, without navigation lights and as steadily as possible.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Around the four-inch guns men hung on, ready at the first alarm to open fire, while the deadly torpedoes had been launched into their tubes to be let loose at the word of command upon the first unit of the German Navy--be she large or small--that had the temerity to try conclusions with the alert British destroyer.