Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

later than; following

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

(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 HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

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

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

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

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

plural of “corps” — an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

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

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

plural of “crew” — the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

English navigator who explored the Arctic while searching for the Northwest Passage (1550-1605)

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

true confidential information

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

people collectively who are crippled or otherwise physically handicapped

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

plural of “disaster” — a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

psychological suffering

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

limp and soiled as if dragged in the mud

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

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

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

inflected form of “freeze” — stop moving or become immobilized

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

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

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

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

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

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

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

plural of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

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

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

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

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

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

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

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

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

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 HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

German theologian who led the Reformation; believed that salvation is granted on the basis of faith rather than deeds (1483-1546)

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

engage in

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

the force of workers available

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

a public toilet for men

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

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

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

the middle of winter

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

plural of “mitten” — glove that encases the thumb separately and the other four fingers together

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

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

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

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

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

a building designed and equipped to observe astronomical phenomena

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

and nothing more

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

above and across; more than

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

the quantity of a crop that is harvested

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

plural of “rescue” — recovery or preservation from loss or danger

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

move by turning over or rotating

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

plural of “schooner” — a large beer glass

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

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

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

plant growing in the sea, especially marine algae

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

plural of “signal” — any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

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

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

waves breaking on the shore

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

past form of “telegraph” — send cables, wires, or telegrams

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

express in words

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

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

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

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

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading He told of long rows in midwinter through seas the spray of which turned to ice as they struck, and froze the men's mittens to the oar-handles.

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

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

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

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

characterized by variety

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

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

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

at the time that

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”

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

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

during the time that

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

belonging to which person

From this reading He told them of disasters the details of which had been telegraphed all over the country, and of rescues of half-frozen crews from ice-crested schooners whose signals of distress had been seen from the observatory on the roof of the station.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading Captain Eri left them after a while, as he had some acquaintances among the men at the station, and wished to talk with them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

plural of “wreck” — something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

a late time of life

From this reading HEROES AND A MYSTERY Luther Davis had been commandant at the life-saving station for years and “Number One Man” before that, so his experience with wrecks and disabled craft of all kinds had been long and varied.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading He told of picking up draggled corpses in the surf at midnight, when, as he said, “You couldn't tell whether 'twas a man or a roll of seaweed, and the only way to make sure was to reach down and feel.”