11
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
30
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
eagerly desirous
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
earlier than; in front of
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
boxingnounUS /ˈbɑːksɪŋ/
fighting with the fists
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
an occurrence of something
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
ChairmannounUS /ˈtʃermən/
the officer who presides at the meetings of an organization
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
clothing in general
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
colorsnounUS /ˈkʌlərz/
a flag that shows its nationality
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
CommandantnounUS /ˌkɑːmənˈdɑːnt/
an officer in command of a military unit
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
compassnounUS /ˈkʌmpəs/
navigational instrument for finding directions
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
decksnounUS /deks/
plural of “deck” — any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
drillverbUS /drɪl/
make a hole, especially with a pointed power or hand tool
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
the act of departing
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
inspectverbUS /ˌɪnˈspekt/
look over carefully
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
inspectionnounUS /ˌɪnˈspekʃən/
a formal or official examination
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
instructionnounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃən/
a message describing how something is to be done
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
knotsnounUS /nɑːts/
plural of “knot” — a tight cluster of people or things
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
mastnounUS /mæst/
a vertical spar for supporting sails
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
medicinenounUS /ˈmedəsən/
the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
NavynounUS /ˈneɪvi/
an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
an amount of time
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
PortsmouthnounUS /ˈpɔːrtsməθ/
a port city in southeastern Virginia on the Elizabeth River opposite Norfolk; naval base; shipyards
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
prepareverbUS /priˈper/
make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
scrubbingnounUS /ˈskrʌbɪŋ/
the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
transport commercially
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
ship'snounUS /ʃɪps/
possessive form of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
showernounUS /ˈʃaʊər/
a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you
From this reading As was always the case, however, the more ignorant he was, the more anxious he seemed to learn, and quite a shower of questions fell about the ears of the mate before the instruction period was over.
softnessnounUS /ˈsɔːftnəs/
the property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
splicesnounUS /ˈsplaɪsɪz/
plural of “splice” — a junction where two things (as paper or film or magnetic tape) have been joined together
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
tacklenounUS /ˈtækəl/
the person who plays that position on a football team
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading During morning instruction he had “knots and splices” for one period, “boxing the compass” for another, and “ship’s tackle” with the mate for the third.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
precisely as stated
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
washingnounUS /ˈwɑːʃɪŋ/
the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
(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 He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
at the time that
From this reading He came out very well with the first two, but was of course quite ignorant when it came to ship’s tackle.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
which person or people
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
in the company of; together with
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The next morning Billy Brown went through “washing clothes” and “scrubbing decks”, “colors”, “bright work”, “quarters”, and “mast” with his eyes and ears wide open; and, all the time, he was looking out for an opportunity to practice the exercise which his “B. M.” had given him as medicine for his “softness.”
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading While drill was going on among the boys, the Captain and the Chairman were making a regular inspection below to prepare for the visit of the Commandant of the Portsmouth Navy Yard, who was expected on board at 11:30 to inspect the ship and crew.
