Chapter XXVIII

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

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

with few mistakes

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

again but in a new or different way

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

of or relating to the nations of Africa or their peoples

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

later than; following

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

(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 He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

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

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

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

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

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

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

-ing form of “ascertain” — establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

stern foremost or backward

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

relating or belonging to the science of astronomy

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

state capital of Texas on the Colorado River; site of the University of Texas

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

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

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

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

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

a visual display of information

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

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

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

to a great extent or degree

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

carefully weighed

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

a former Celtic kingdom in northwestern England; the name continued to be used for the hilly northwestern region of England including the Lake District and the northern Pennines

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

recognizable; marked

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

as if in a delirium

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

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

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

someone employed to conduct others

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

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

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

in a convenient manner

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

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

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

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

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

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

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

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

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

impossible to surmount

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

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

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

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 He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

unusually large in scope

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

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

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

(of handwriting, print, etc.) capable of being read or deciphered

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

enter into a log, as on ships and planes

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

the force of workers available

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

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

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

used to form the superlative

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

the guidance of ships or airplanes from place to place

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

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

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

not any; not one

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

obtain a patent for

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

operate an airplane

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

declaiming wildly

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

worthy of reliance or trust

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

possessive form of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

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

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

a student who fails to attend classes

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

possessive form of “skipper” — a student who fails to attend classes

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

relating to or derived from the sun or utilizing the energies of the sun

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

plural of “spaniard” — a native or inhabitant of Spain

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

plural of “steamer” — a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

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

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

not in physical motion

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

carry out

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

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

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

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

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

past form of “tow” — drag behind

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

(of persons) worthy of trust or confidence

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

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

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

precisely as stated

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

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

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

(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 There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

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

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He knew very little about medicine, and certainly no more about what he termed the astronomical side of navigation, and after several attempts decided that it was beyond his ability to take an accurate solar observation.

at the time that

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

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

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.

during the time that

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

which person or people

From this reading He had two Spaniards who could be trusted to keep the steamer more or less on the course he gave them, while the _Cumbria_ steerd handily, which is more than all steamers do.

in the company of; together with

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading IN COMMAND Austin was quite aware that he had his work cut out when he was left in command of the _Cumbria_, with half her crew sick, and her skipper raving deliriously.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading There was a large-scale chart, considerably mildewed, but still legible, in the skipper's room, as well as a pilot guide to the West African coast, while the patent log that towed astern to record the distance run appeared to be working accurately.

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

From this reading There were, however, other, though not very reliable, means of approximately ascertaining the ship's position which he was acquainted with, and he nerved himself afresh for a grapple with what most men would, under the circumstances, have considered insuperable difficulties.