used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
AdamsnounUS /ˈædəmz/
American Revolutionary leader and patriot; an organizer of the Boston Tea Party and signer of the Declaration of Independence (1722-1803)
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
anew
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/
possessing life
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
chafedadjectiveUS /tʃeɪft/
painful from having the skin abraded
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
comfortedadjectiveUS /ˈkʌmfərtɪd/
made comfortable or more comfortable in a time of distress
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
intrusted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
a small worthless amount
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
Kruboys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
launchedverbUS /lɔːntʃt/
past form of “launch” — set up or found
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
mast-head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading TAKEN PRISONER.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
reddishadjectiveUS /ˈredɪʃ/
of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
removingverbUS /riˈmuːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “remove” — remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
responsibilitiesnounUS /riˌspɑːnsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “responsibility” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
scrapeverbUS /skreɪp/
scratch repeatedly
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
scrubverbUS /skrʌb/
clean with hard rubbing
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
scrubbingnounUS /ˈskrʌbɪŋ/
the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
in the near future
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
stripenounUS /straɪp/
an adornment consisting of a strip of a contrasting color or material
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
TAKENadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading TAKEN PRISONER.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
tornadonounUS /tɔːrˈneɪdoʊ/
a localized and violently destructive windstorm occurring over land characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
in the direction of
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
the topmost one of two
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
in or at the place that
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
which person or people
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
Willie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Two Glass, who was intrusted with this duty, soon reported that he could see the boat being got ready, and then that she was launched and coming off.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Next day my father went on shore again, and I was kept to work on board, where I much chafed in consequence of the stripe down my face, which was of a deep reddish brown, and which all the scrubbing I could manage seemed not to have the slightest effect in removing.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Jack Adams comforted me by saying that it would not come off for six weeks or more, scrub and scrape as I liked.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Towards the evening there were signs of a tornado; and Willie, who was fully alive to the responsibilities of his new position as first mate, sent the upper yards on deck, and told one of the Kruboys to go up to the mast-head to look out for our father coming off.
