Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

at or in the front

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

(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 All of the convoy showed lights.

in addition

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

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

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

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

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

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

From this reading The Ranger, on the contrary, was as dark as the night, not even the battle lanterns being lighted.

any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading The Ranger, on the contrary, was as dark as the night, not even the battle lanterns being lighted.

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

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The Ranger, on the contrary, was as dark as the night, not even the battle lanterns being lighted.

without care or concern

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading The Ranger, on the contrary, was as dark as the night, not even the battle lanterns being lighted.

a procession of land vehicles traveling together

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The Ranger, on the contrary, was as dark as the night, not even the battle lanterns being lighted.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

having a specified kind of border or edge

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

an opposing military force

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

divisible by two

From this reading The Ranger, on the contrary, was as dark as the night, not even the battle lanterns being lighted.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

a medium size square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

the act of departing

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

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

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

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

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

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

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

(Roman mythology) queen of the Olympian gods who protected marriage; wife and sister of Jupiter; counterpart of Greek Hera

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

plural of “lantern” — light in a transparent protective case

From this reading The Ranger, on the contrary, was as dark as the night, not even the battle lanterns being lighted.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

set afire or burning

From this reading The Ranger, on the contrary, was as dark as the night, not even the battle lanterns being lighted.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading All of the convoy showed lights.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

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

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

in motion

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

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

From this reading The Ranger, on the contrary, was as dark as the night, not even the battle lanterns being lighted.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

being perceived or observed

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

a member of the Texas state highway patrol; formerly a mounted lawman who maintained order on the frontier

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

with speed

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

the work of a sailor

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

a large beer glass

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

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

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

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

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

transport commercially

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

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

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

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

From this reading All of the convoy showed lights.

a sailing vessel with a single mast set about one third of the boat's length aft of the bow

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

rigged with square sails as the principal ones

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

that is on a string

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

-ing form of “suspect” — imagine to be the case or true or probable

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

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

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

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

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

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

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

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

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

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

From this reading The frigate, it was noticed, was several miles ahead in the van; the other ships were carelessly strung out in a long line, probably not suspecting the existence of any possible enemy in those waters.

during the time that

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

belonging to which person

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.

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

From this reading _A Surprise for the Juno_ The Ranger, a new and swift-sailing ship, and going free also, rapidly edged down upon the slow moving convoy on the wind.

the direction from which the wind is coming

From this reading The sloop of war appeared to be among the rear ships, while the nearest vessel to the Ranger was a large schooner, whose superior sailing qualities had permitted her to reach several miles to windward of the square-rigged ships; she appeared to be light in ballast also.