used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
(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 It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
anchornounUS /ˈæŋkər/
a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
AndrewsnounUS /ˈændruːz/
United States naturalist who contributed to paleontology and geology (1884-1960)
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
beach-combers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
blushverbUS /blʌʃ/
turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
cablesnounUS /ˈkeɪbəlz/
plural of “cable” — a telegram sent abroad
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
characteristicnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk/
a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
CoranounUS /ˈkɔːrə/
(Greek mythology) daughter of Zeus and Demeter; made queen of the underworld by Pluto in ancient mythology; identified with Roman Proserpina
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
degradedadjectiveUS /dɪˈɡreɪdəd/
unrestrained by convention or morality
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
despondverb
lose confidence or hope; become dejected
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
without doubt; certainly
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
accept an excuse for
From this reading Oh yes, I had an excuse.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
funked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
gildedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪldɪd/
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
plural of “good” — benefit
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
grindverbUS /ɡraɪnd/
press or grind with a crushing noise
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
hawse-pipe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
intense and profound fear
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
someone who hunts game
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
Kai
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
staying power
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
lengthsnounUS /leŋkθs/
plural of “length” — the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
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 A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
memoriesnounUS /ˈmɛm.ə.riz/
Recollections of past events.
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading Oh yes, I had an excuse.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
on one occasion
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
painfulnessnoun
emotional distress; a fundamental feeling that people try to avoid
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
pinchverbUS /pɪntʃ/
squeeze tightly between the fingers
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
raucousadjectiveUS /ˈrɔːkəs/
unpleasantly loud and harsh
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
refusesnounUS /rəˈfjuːzəz/
plural of “refuse” — food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
Identical; not different.
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
express in words
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
transport commercially
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
showdownnounUS /ˈʃoʊdaʊn/
a hostile disagreement face-to-face
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
slinks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
sloughnounUS /slʌf/
necrotic tissue; a mortified or gangrenous part or mass
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
plural of “stand” — a support or foundation
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
underbredadjective
(of persons) lacking in refinement or grace
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
usheredverbUS /ˈʌʃərd/
past form of “usher” — take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
under normal conditions
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading I had always felt sure that, in a pinch, I could force myself to come through in the same way--the thought had gilded many a slough of despond for me.
(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 Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
at the time that
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It is characteristic of all but the most degraded of beach-combers--doubtless their general contempt of life has much to do with it--that "once in a while" they "can finish in style"; that, on a showdown, they are usually there with the goods.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
produce a literary work
From this reading A SHIP OF DEATH With a good many days of my life to which I cannot look back without a blush of shame, I write deliberately when I say that the one ushered in by the raucous grind of the _Cora Andrews'_ chain running through its hawse-pipe as she let go anchor a couple of cables' lengths off Kai beach, stands alone in the horror and the painfulness of its memories.
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading Well, this day, I had my chance and funked it--funked it clean, as a yellow dog slinks from a fight with its tail between its legs, as an underbred hunter refuses a jump.
an affirmative
From this reading Oh yes, I had an excuse.
