Chapter XXX · Chapter 30

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

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

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

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

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

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

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

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

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

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

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

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

(of clothing) custom-made

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

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

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

with boldness, in a bold manner

From this reading The remaining ship, the largest of them all, stood boldly on its original course.

two-masted sailing vessel square-rigged on both masts

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

a small cosmetics case with a mirror; to be carried in a woman's purse

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

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

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading The remaining ship, the largest of them all, stood boldly on its original course.

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

one or the other of two

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

group of aircraft operating together under the same ownership

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

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

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

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

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

close in time; about to occur

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

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

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The remaining ship, the largest of them all, stood boldly on its original course.

inflected form of “lag” — hang (back) or fall (behind) in movement, progress, development, etc.

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

superlative of “large” — above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The remaining ship, the largest of them all, stood boldly on its original course.

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

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

engage in

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

in a methodical manner

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

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

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

totally perplexed and mixed up

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

the compass point midway between north and east; at 45 degrees

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

being perceived or observed

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The remaining ship, the largest of them all, stood boldly on its original course.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

characterized by active hostility

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading The remaining ship, the largest of them all, stood boldly on its original course.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

a feeling of evil to come

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

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

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

with speed

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

not used up

From this reading The remaining ship, the largest of them all, stood boldly on its original course.

made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

the work of a sailor

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

transport commercially

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

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

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

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

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

having only essential or minimal features

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

past form of “tack” — fasten with tacks

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

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

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

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

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

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

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

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

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

up to a particular time

From this reading They had steadily drawn near the reported sail until the lookouts could plainly make out a small fleet of small ships.

precisely as stated

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

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

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

the trait of being cautious and watchful

From this reading Never dreaming that they could be American ships, Captain Vincent had his ship prepared for action, more through the habitual wariness of an experienced sailor than from any premonition of an impending battle.

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

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

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

From this reading But as the two forces drew near, the actions of the opposing fleet became suddenly suspicious; all but one of them tacked ship, and stood off to the northeast, in a compact group in close order, under all possible sail, though one, the smallest and a brig, it was noticed, lagged behind the rest of the group in a way which bespoke either very slow sailing qualities or deliberate purpose of delay.

during the time that

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.

in the company of; together with

From this reading _Captain Vincent Mystified_ While the big ship was rapidly and methodically being stripped for the possible emergency, the captain was engaged in busy conversation with the colonel.