Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

moved to action

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

later than; following

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

plural of “barge” — a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

the flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessel

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

destitute of blood or apparently so

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading "Now, boys, together!

a protective structure of stone or concrete; extends from shore into the water to prevent a beach from washing away

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

-ing form of “careen” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

a person who separates and straightens the fibers of cotton or wool

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

-ing form of “crouch” — bend one's back forward from the waist on down

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

past form of “crumble” — fall apart

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

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

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

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

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

comparative of “dark” — devoid of or deficient in light or brightness; shadowed or black

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

causing or capable of causing death

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

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

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

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

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

a river that rises in the Catskills in southeastern New York and flows southward along the border of Pennsylvania with New York and New Jersey to northern Delaware where it empties into Delaware Bay

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

a standard or typical example

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

(of a young bird) having acquired its flight feathers

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

a technique used in behavior therapy; client is flooded with experiences of a particular kind until becoming either averse to them or numbed to them

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

a feeling of intense anger

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

-ing form of “gnash” — grind together, of teeth

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

an upward movement (especially a rhythmical rising and falling)

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

in a helpless manner

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

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

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

take greedily; take more than one's share

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

impossible to subdue

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

something that is lost

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the officer below the master on a commercial ship

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

the force of workers available

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

of or relating to or consisting of muscle

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

the back side of the neck

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

port city located in southeastern Virginia on the Elizabeth River at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay; headquarters of the Atlantic fleet of the United States Navy

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading "Now, boys, together!

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

become less interesting or attractive

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

plural of “palm” — the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

a shaky motion

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

(used especially of commodities) being unprocessed or manufactured using only simple or minimal processes

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

free from harm or evil

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

past form of “reveal” — make visible

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

a public act of violence by an unruly mob

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

-ing form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

uttered with a trill

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

except for; apart from

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the state of being free from danger or injury

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the act of searching for something

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

preservation of yourself from harm; a natural or instinctive tendency

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

(formerly) a writing tablet made of slate

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

in or at or to some place

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

plural of “spoke” — support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

not in physical motion

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

lacking natural ease

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

-ing form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

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

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

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

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading "Now, boys, together!

a fee levied for the use of roads or bridges (used for maintenance)

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

having edges that are jagged from injury

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

-ing form of “tow” — drag behind

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

up to a particular time

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

precisely as stated

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

change directions as if revolving on a pivot

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

in or at the place that

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

during the time that

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

a Caucasian

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading Dan and two of his men were at the wheel spokes, which had torn the palms of their hands until they were raw and bleeding, and the dull light flooding in through the windows revealed the indomitable will of these men, the death-fight spirit which actuated them.

ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.

moving in a twisting or snake-like or wormlike fashion

From this reading Dan's face was bloodless and strained, and his hair fell across his eyes, while crouching beneath him, with hands on the under spokes, were the gigantic shoulders of his mate, the sweaty gray hair and the red, thick nape of the neck suggesting the very epitome of muscular effort; and on the other side, writhing and quivering, was the deck-hand, a study in steel and wire.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The afternoon was still young, but the heavens were darker than twilight, and the rocking sea was as black as slate, save where a comber, as though gnashing its teeth in fury, flashed a sudden white crest, which crumbled immediately into the heaving pall.

the spirit of the time; the spirit characteristic of an age or generation

From this reading THE LOSS OF THE "FLEDGLING" One Fall afternoon, six months after the rescue of the men of the _Zeitgeist_, the _Fledgling_, as though sentient with the instinct of self-preservation, was struggling through the riot of wind and waves, seeking the security of the Delaware Breakwater, while ten miles back, somewhere in the wild half gloom off Hog Island, three loaded coal barges which she had been towing from Norfolk were rolling, twisting, careening helplessly to destruction--if, indeed, the seas had not already taken deadly toll of them.