used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
adaptverbUS /əˈdæpt/
make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
(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 At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
blowingnounUS /ˈbloʊɪŋ/
processing that involves blowing a gas
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
breakwaternounUS /ˈbreɪkwɔːtər/
a protective structure of stone or concrete; extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
CapenounUS /keɪp/
a strip of land projecting into a body of water
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
easterlyadjectiveUS /ˈiːstərli/
lying in or toward the east
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
to certain extent or degree
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
HarborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
hauledverbUS /hɔːld/
past form of “haul” — draw slowly or heavily
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
under a moral obligation to do something
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
PortsmouthnounUS /ˈpɔːrtsməθ/
a port city in southeastern Virginia on the Elizabeth River opposite Norfolk; naval base; shipyards
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
any competition
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
roughlyadverbUS /ˈrʌfli/
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
sailsnounUS /seɪlz/
plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
seventyadjectiveUS /ˈsevənti/
being ten more than sixty
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
sheetsnounUS /ʃiːts/
plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
transport commercially
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
slackadjectiveUS /slæk/
not tense or taut
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
in the near future
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
south-half-east
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
southerlyadjectiveUS /ˈsʌðərli/
situated in or oriented toward the south
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
Thatcher'snounUS /ˈθætʃərz/
possessive form of “thatcher” — British stateswoman; first woman to serve as Prime Minister (born in 1925)
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
tipnounUS /tɪp/
the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
except if; if not
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
veerverbUS /vɪr/
turn sharply; change direction abruptly
From this reading So long as the wind held easterly, or at least did not veer around in a southerly direction, it would be possible for them to sail the first thirty miles or so on one long leg, fairly close hauled; but, from Thatcher’s Island on, they would be able to slack off their sheets.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
westerlyadverbUS /ˈwestərli/
toward the west
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading The course was about south by east as far as Thatcher’s Island; and, from there, about south-half-east for Race Point on the tip end of the Cape,--the whole distance being roughly seventy miles.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
windlassnounUS /ˈwɪndləs/
lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)
From this reading As it was, the wind was light and easterly, so that the _Bright Wing_ was obliged to adapt herself to the tide, which began to run out as early as three in the morning.
in the company of; together with
From this reading At four o’clock, therefore, all hands were called to the windlass, and, as soon as she was free, the ship slipped out past the breakwater and the fort, toward the rising sun, with her sails slightly shaking in the breeze.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The entrance to Little Harbor at Portsmouth, between Great Island and the breakwater, was so narrow that it would have been impossible to get out to sea against the tide unless a westerly wind had been blowing.
