Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

anew

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

(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 But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

in addition

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

(Judaism) sacred chest where the ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees and other woody plants

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

for the reason that

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

exhale hard

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

waves breaking on the shore

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

an occurrence of something

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

of or relating to the sky

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

past form of “chance” — be the case by chance

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

made less hopeful or enthusiastic

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

any of numerous small pigeons

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

take in solid food

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

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

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

opinion or judgment

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

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

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

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

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

your parents

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

an artful or simulated semblance

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

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

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

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

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

a complex pattern of constantly changing colors and shapes

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

the force of workers available

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

inflected form of “mistake” — identify incorrectly

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

a particular point in time

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

not any; not one

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

possessive form of “noah” — the Hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain; the story of Noah and the flood is told in the Book of Genesis

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

many times at short intervals

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

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

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

a sign of something about to happen

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

on one occasion

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

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

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

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

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

support consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (especially for a bird)

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

an arc of colored light in the sky caused by refraction of the sun's rays by rain

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

-ing form of “roost” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

cut with a saw

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

plural of “seaman” — a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

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

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

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

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

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

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

not in physical motion

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

inflected form of “swear” — utter obscenities or profanities

From this reading The frequent fog-banks gave them cause to doubt— Some swore that they heard breakers, others guns, And all mistook about the latter once.

the person who plays that position on a football team

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

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

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

up to a particular time

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

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

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

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

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

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

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

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

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

used to ask for information about something

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

at the time that

From this reading Our shipwreck’d seamen thought it a good omen— It is as well to think so, now and then; ’Twas an old custom of the Greek and Roman, And may become of great advantage when Folks are discouraged; and most surely no men Had greater need to nerve themselves again Than these, and so this rainbow look’d like hope— Quite a celestial kaleidoscope.

in or at the place that

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

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

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

a Caucasian

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading About this time a beautiful white bird, Webfooted, not unlike a dove in size And plumage (probably it might have err’d Upon its course), pass’d oft before their eyes, And tried to perch, although it saw and heard The men within the boat, and in this guise It came and went, and flutter’d round them till Night fell: this seem’d a better omen still.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading But in this case I also must remark, ’Twas well this bird of promise did not perch, Because the tackle of our shatter’d bark Was not so safe for roosting as a church; And had it been the dove from Noah’s ark, Returning there from her successful search, Which in their way that moment chanced to fall, They would have eat her, olive-branch and all.

but in spite of that

From this reading With twilight it again came on to blow, But not with violence; the stars shone out, The boat made way; yet now they were so low, They knew not where nor what they were about; Some fancied they saw land, and some said ‘No!’