used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
(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 “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
inflected form of “bear” — have
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
bowsnounUS /baʊz/
plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
compassnounUS /ˈkʌmpəs/
navigational instrument for finding directions
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
CRESSIDA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
command with authority
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
illuminedverbUS /ˌɪˈluːmənd/
past form of “illumine” — make lighter or brighter
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
Insisture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
without good reason
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
engage in
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
the force of workers available
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
a particular point in time
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
not any; not one
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
paddlesnounUS /ˈpædəlz/
plural of “paddle” — small wooden bat with a flat surface; used for hitting balls in various games
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
prioritynounUS /praɪˈɔːrəti/
status established in order of importance or urgency
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
propelledverbUS /prəˈpeld/
inflected form of “propel” — cause to move forward with force
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
proportionnounUS /prəˈpɔːrʃən/
the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
rapiditynounUS /rəˈpɪdəti/
a rate that is rapid
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
not used up
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
shadowyadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊi/
filled with shade
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
sinkingnounUS /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
a descent as through liquid (especially through water)
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
specknounUS /spek/
a very small spot
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
successive (without a break)
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
in or at that place or location
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The canoe held a direct course out to sea the remaining part of the day.
TROILUS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “—Observe degree, priority, and place, Insisture, course, proportion, season, form, Office, and custom in all line of order—” TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
the act of using
From this reading The head of the canoe was kept direct upon that speck, and the man at the stern seemed to make no more use of his compass.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
(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 Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
at the time that
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This was drawing fast to a close, when there might be perceived, straight over the bows of the canoe, and far, far away, a small dark object that seemed to rest lightly on the horizon, which was, at that moment, illumined by the red rays of the large round sun that was fast sinking behind it.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Such was the rapidity with which the canoe went, borne away, as it was, by the breeze, as well as propelled by the paddles of twelve strong men, that within three hours after sunset, they were close to that which, a short time before, had appeared so small, so shadowy, and so distant.
