Chapter XII · At the Hour of the Tiger

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

later than; following

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Half an hour later the sweeps were lashed along the rail.

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

From this reading Half an hour later the sweeps were lashed along the rail.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

plural of “ant” — social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

stern foremost or backward

From this reading Slowly, quietly, then, Anking, with its ruins and its memories fell away astern.

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

From this reading Slowly, quietly, then, Anking, with its ruins and its memories fell away astern.

the hard woody stems of bamboo plants; used in construction and crafts and fishing poles

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

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

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

form a curve

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

a process of becoming deeper and more profound

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

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

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

plural of “edge” — the boundary of a surface

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

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

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

past form of “endure” — put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

at any time

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

more distant in especially space or time

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Slowly, quietly, then, Anking, with its ruins and its memories fell away astern.

people in general (often used in the plural)

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

an entrance that can be closed by a gate

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

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

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

plural of “honor” — a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Half an hour later the sweeps were lashed along the rail.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

in a dim indistinct manner

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Slowly, quietly, then, Anking, with its ruins and its memories fell away astern.

wild ass of Tibet and Mongolia

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

past form of “lash” — beat severely with a whip or rod

From this reading Half an hour later the sweeps were lashed along the rail.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

below the surround or below the normal position

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

a lay judge or civil authority who administers the law (especially one who conducts a court dealing with minor offenses)

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

Recollections of past events.

From this reading Slowly, quietly, then, Anking, with its ruins and its memories fell away astern.

the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

a place where a craft can be made fast

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

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

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

in motion

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

plural of “pole” — a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

done with very great haste and without due deliberation

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

ordinary writing as distinguished from verse

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

with low volume

From this reading Slowly, quietly, then, Anking, with its ruins and its memories fell away astern.

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

From this reading Half an hour later the sweeps were lashed along the rail.

plural of “rebel” — “Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

freed from illness or injury

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

the extended spatial location of something

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

recurring with measured regularity

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

plural of “rope” — a strong line

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

having a margin with rounded scallops

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

appearing as such but not necessarily so

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

plural of “shout” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

being one more than fifteen

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

past form of “surrender” — give up or agree to forgo to the power or possession of another

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

a moving crowd

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

plural of “sweep” — a wide scope

From this reading Half an hour later the sweeps were lashed along the rail.

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

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

an adherent of any branch of Taoism

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

in or at that place or location

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

the pursuit (of a person or animal) by following tracks or marks they left behind

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

literature in metrical form

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

precisely as stated

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

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

From this reading Half an hour later the sweeps were lashed along the rail.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

in or at the place that

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading The great dark sails, with their scalloped edges between the battens of bamboo, seeming more than ever, in the dusk, like the wings of an enormous bat, were lowered; and with many shouts and rhythmic cries the tracking ropes were run out to mooring poles on the bank.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Slowly, quietly, then, Anking, with its ruins and its memories fell away astern.

produce a literary work

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

but in spite of that

From this reading Those on deck could see, indistinctly in the deepening twilight, the vast area of houses and ruins--for Anking had not yet recovered from the devastations of the T'ai-ping rebels in the eighteen-sixties--where half a million yellow folk swarm like ants; and very indistinctly indeed, farther to the north, they could see: the blue mountains.

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

From this reading |THEY passed, that evening, the region of Peng-tze where Tao Yuan-ming, after a scant three months as district magistrate, surrendered his honors and retired to his humble farm near Kiu Kiang, there to write in peace the verse and prose that have endured during sixteen crowded centuries; and on, then, moving slowly through the precipitous Gateway of Anking and, later, around the bend that bounds that city on the west, south and east.