Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

consider or hold as true

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

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

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

processing that involves blowing a gas

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

the lower side of anything

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

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

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

plural of “deduction” — a reduction in the gross amount on which a tax is calculated; reduces taxes by the percentage fixed for the taxpayer's income bracket

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

aimless wandering from place to place

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

devoid of good sense or judgment

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

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

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

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

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

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

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

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

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

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

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

making a strong or vivid impression

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

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

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

plural of “instance” — an occurrence of something

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

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

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

decrease in size, extent, or range

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

small in range or scope

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

used to form the superlative

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

a form of address for a man

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

travel on water propelled by wind or by other means

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

not any; not one

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

arising from or characterized by prudence especially in business matters

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

past form of “purchase” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

possessing material wealth

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

a particular instance of selling

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

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

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

possessive form of “sheriff” — the principal law-enforcement officer in a county

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

United States playwright (1896-1955)

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

a boat propelled by a steam engine

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

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

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

in or at that place or location

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

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

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

not knowledgeable about something specified

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

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

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange

From this reading He was ready to accept the moral and prudential deductions from the catastrophe, and really believed that the rich man's maxim was a safe and valuable one.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

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

From this reading She was in a safe place, and there was no danger of her "blowing up" or drifting away from him.

any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

in or at the place that

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

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

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

in a willing manner

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

fruit that has fallen from the tree

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

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

From this reading THE SHERIFF'S VISIT Lawry put the bill of sale of the _Woodville_ in his pocket, and felt like a steamboat proprietor; for the fact that his steamer lay at the bottom of the lake did not seem to lessen her value.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading In his own limited experience, Lawry could recall many instances where haste had made waste; but the foolish conduct of Mr. Sherwood in attempting to navigate the _Woodville_ in water with which he was totally unacquainted was the most impressive example of the worth of the proverb, and he felt that the steamer, in his own possession, would always mean "haste and waste" to him.

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

From this reading The haste of Mr. Sherwood had been "a windfall" to him, though Lawry would not willingly have purchased the steamer at the peril of so many precious lives.