Chapter IV

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

later than; following

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading “Where’s Dan?” he asked.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Tom Ferris was on the pier when the boat came within easy hail.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

past form of “borrow” — get temporarily

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Tom Ferris was on the pier when the boat came within easy hail.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

-ing form of “cruise” — drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

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

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

wanted intensely

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

a small boat of shallow draft with cross thwarts for seats and rowlocks for oars with which it is propelled

From this reading But perhaps they would let him take the dory some other time.

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

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Tom Ferris was on the pier when the boat came within easy hail.

motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

at any time

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

a social unit living together

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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

From this reading Tom Ferris was on the pier when the boat came within easy hail.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

praise vociferously

From this reading Tom Ferris was on the pier when the boat came within easy hail.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But perhaps they would let him take the dory some other time.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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 To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading But perhaps they would let him take the dory some other time.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758-1805)

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Tom Ferris was on the pier when the boat came within easy hail.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But perhaps they would let him take the dory some other time.

by chance

From this reading But perhaps they would let him take the dory some other time.

a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats

From this reading Tom Ferris was on the pier when the boat came within easy hail.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

on equal terms by payment or requital

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

on the contrary

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

third-person singular of “relate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading But perhaps they would let him take the dory some other time.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

carry out

From this reading But perhaps they would let him take the dory some other time.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

in or at that place or location

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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

From this reading But perhaps they would let him take the dory some other time.

a special situation

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

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

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But perhaps they would let him take the dory some other time.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

male cat

From this reading Tom Ferris was on the pier when the boat came within easy hail.

the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

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

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.

(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 To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

at the time that

From this reading Tom Ferris was on the pier when the boat came within easy hail.

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

From this reading “Where’s Dan?” he asked.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading To be sure, a power-dory was rather a trifling thing after a thirty-six-foot cruising-launch, and the engine left much to be desired, but it got along pretty well, and Nelson wished he didn’t have to return to camp, but might turn the dory’s head up the lake and go cruising.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Tom Ferris was on the pier when the boat came within easy hail.

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

From this reading But perhaps they would let him take the dory some other time.

a late time of life

From this reading RELATES HOW NELSON BORROWED A LEAF FROM BOB, AND HOW DAN CRIED QUITS There wasn’t much about gas-engines that Nelson didn’t know, for ever since he was old enough to walk his family had spent a portion at least of every summer at the shore, and of late years a gasoline-launch had been a feature of the vacation program.