Chapter XV · “Oakum” Let Us Sing

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

From this reading I was further presented with my official number—594, on a brass plate.

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

From this reading Our various destinations were indicated in a somewhat primitive style—a huge chalk-mark on our backs.

later than; following

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

anew

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

changed in form or character without becoming something else

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

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

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

move towards

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

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

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

appointed to a post or duty

From this reading We were here received by the warder in command, and I was assigned to the fifth storey.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine

From this reading Our various destinations were indicated in a somewhat primitive style—a huge chalk-mark on our backs.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

an alloy of copper and zinc

From this reading I was further presented with my official number—594, on a brass plate.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading We were here received by the warder in command, and I was assigned to the fifth storey.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

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

From this reading Our various destinations were indicated in a somewhat primitive style—a huge chalk-mark on our backs.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading We were here received by the warder in command, and I was assigned to the fifth storey.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

plural of “destination” — the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)

From this reading Our various destinations were indicated in a somewhat primitive style—a huge chalk-mark on our backs.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

past form of “draft” — draw up an outline or sketch for something

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

being effective without wasting time or effort or expense

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon

From this reading We were here received by the warder in command, and I was assigned to the fifth storey.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading I was further presented with my official number—594, on a brass plate.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading We were here received by the warder in command, and I was assigned to the fifth storey.

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

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Our various destinations were indicated in a somewhat primitive style—a huge chalk-mark on our backs.

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

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

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

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading Our various destinations were indicated in a somewhat primitive style—a huge chalk-mark on our backs.

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

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

a state of separation between persons or groups

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

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 NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

plural of “locality” — a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

the force of workers available

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

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

From this reading I was further presented with my official number—594, on a brass plate.

loose hemp or jute fiber obtained by unravelling old ropes; when impregnated with tar it was used to caulk seams and pack joints in wooden ships

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading I was further presented with my official number—594, on a brass plate.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Our various destinations were indicated in a somewhat primitive style—a huge chalk-mark on our backs.

and nothing more

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

having a margin incised almost to the base so as to create distinct divisions or lobes

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score

From this reading I was further presented with my official number—594, on a brass plate.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading I was further presented with my official number—594, on a brass plate.

past form of “presume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness

From this reading Our various destinations were indicated in a somewhat primitive style—a huge chalk-mark on our backs.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading We were here received by the warder in command, and I was assigned to the fifth storey.

Identical; not different.

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

cut with a saw

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

past form of “scrawl” — write carelessly

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

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

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Our various destinations were indicated in a somewhat primitive style—a huge chalk-mark on our backs.

a structure consisting of a room or set of rooms at a single position along a vertical scale

From this reading We were here received by the warder in command, and I was assigned to the fifth storey.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Our various destinations were indicated in a somewhat primitive style—a huge chalk-mark on our backs.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

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

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

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

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

(of bolts or screws) having screw threads

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

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

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

a person who works in a prison and is in charge of prisoners

From this reading We were here received by the warder in command, and I was assigned to the fifth storey.

plural of “ward” — a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

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

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

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

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading As I threaded my way through various wards with a C scrawled on my back, a smell of tar indicated our approach to what might under altered circumstances have been presumed to be a ship-chandler’s; it was, however, only the oakum district.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.

in the company of; together with

From this reading NEXT morning after breakfast we were drafted to our various localities, and, incredible as it may appear, and to show how efficient is the isolation system, men with whom I parted company that morning I never saw again, though I knew they were in the same building.