Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Henry Esmond
Henry Esmond

Chapter XIX

Cover illustration for Henry Esmond
Context Illustration Reading 1/24 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.
On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.
One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.
From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.
We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Henry Esmond

Chapter XIX

Reading 1/24 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.
Line 2
On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.
Line 3
One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.
Line 4
From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.
Line 5
We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.”

Born noun US /born/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

Captain noun US /ˈcaptain/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

Sail noun US /sail/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.”

Ship noun US /ship/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

These determiner US /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

Took noun US /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.”

All words in this reading · 130

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

12,000

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

1702

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

1st

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

31st

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

8th

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

Admiral

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

August

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

Avory

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

board

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

boarded

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

bornnounUS /born/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

CaptainnounUS /ˈcaptain/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

captain-general

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

carried

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

Colonel

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

command

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

corporal

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

country

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

crowned

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

day

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

Duke

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

easy

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

enemy

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

engaged

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

England

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

ensign

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

Esmond

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

Esmond's

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

expedition

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

few

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

fifty

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

Finisterre

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

fleet

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

fresh

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

From this reading From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

Fusiliers

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

generals

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

grace

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

heads

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

heroes

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

honour

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

hours

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

hundred

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

infancy

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

informs

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.

invasions

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

July

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

junior

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

Kid

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

Lisbon

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

made

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

Mr

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

off

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

once

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

only

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

Ormond

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

Plymouth

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

From this reading From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.

Portsmouth

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

From this reading From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.

Powder

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

projected

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

prostration

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

put

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

From this reading From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.

Quin's

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

rank

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

rather

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

redoubted

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

regiment

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

reinforcements

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

From this reading From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.

resembled

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

rock

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

sailnounUS /sail/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

sailing

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

sea

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

set

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

shipnounUS /ship/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

Shovell

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

Spithead

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

state

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

table-book

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.

troops

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

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

unheroic

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

unknown

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

voyage

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

war

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading From Portsmouth we put into Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading We were off Finisterre on the 31st of July, so Esmond’s table-book informs him; and on the 8th of August made the rock of Lisbon.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Powder The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honour to be engaged, rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain Avory or Captain Kid, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by generals of rank and honour.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his grace the Duke of Ormond as the captain-general of the expedition.

work

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading One of these 12,000 heroes having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin’s regiment of Fusiliers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the ship, would have had easy work of him.