Chapter XXV

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

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

at right angles to the length of a ship or airplane

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

at or in the front

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

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

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

a particular environment or walk of life

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

stern foremost or backward

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

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

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

of or relating to or characteristic of Belgium or the Belgian people

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

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

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

an attack by dropping bombs

From this reading THE BOMBING EXPEDITION OFF Zeebrugge once more.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

past form of “cock” — tilt or slant to one side

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

past form of “convert” — change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

lacking courage; ignobly timid and faint-hearted

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

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

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

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

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

the first light of day

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

plural of “destroyer” — a small fast lightly armored but heavily armed warship

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

plural of “dune” — a ridge of sand created by the wind; found in deserts or near lakes and oceans

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

lying toward or situated in the east

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

being one more than seven

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading THE BOMBING EXPEDITION OFF Zeebrugge once more.

distributed over a considerable extent

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

the act of someone who fishes as a diversion

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal and hideous

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

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

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

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

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

a stadium for horse shows or horse races

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

plural of “hornet” — large stinging paper wasp

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

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

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

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

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

and nothing more

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

plural of “liner” — (baseball) a hit that flies straight out from the batter

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

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

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

plural of “monitor” — someone who supervises (an examination)

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

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

From this reading THE BOMBING EXPEDITION OFF Zeebrugge once more.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

not any; not one

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

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

From this reading THE BOMBING EXPEDITION OFF Zeebrugge once more.

on one occasion

From this reading THE BOMBING EXPEDITION OFF Zeebrugge once more.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

a detachment used for security or reconnaissance

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

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

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

with little or no delay

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

a slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

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

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

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

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

-ing form of “strafe” — attack with machine guns or cannon fire from a low-flying plane

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

a moving crowd

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

carry out

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

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

From this reading THE BOMBING EXPEDITION OFF Zeebrugge once more.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

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

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

a professional killer who uses a gun

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

a submersible warship usually armed with torpedoes

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

-ing form of “undulate” — stir up (water) so as to form ripples

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

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

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

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

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

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

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

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

From this reading Approaching the coast, the undulating dunes of which were just visible against the pale light of the eastern sky, were eight monitors, their powerful guns cocked up at a grotesque angle in readiness to open fire at a six-mile range.

during the time that

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

which person or people

From this reading The Huns, who had converted the peaceful little Belgian fishing port into a hornets' nest, were to be allowed no rest.

belonging to which person

From this reading At a considerable distance astern were the seaplane-carriers "Hippodrome," "Arena" and "Cursus," while in a far-flung line ahead, astern and abeam, were the swarm of destroyers and patrol boats whose mission it was to promptly "scotch" any U-boat that, more daring than the rest of the cowardly crew, might attempt to let loose a torpedo at the converted liners.

but in spite of that

From this reading In the pale grey dawn of a November morning yet another strafing operation was about to take place.

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

From this reading THE BOMBING EXPEDITION OFF Zeebrugge once more.