used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/
past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
billowyadjective
characterized by great swelling waves or surges
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
bitts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
bosunnoun
a petty officer on a merchant ship who controls the work of other seamen
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
the two together, not just one
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
capstannounUS /ˈkæpstən/
a windlass rotated in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis; used on ships for weighing anchor or raising heavy sails
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
cherubsnounUS /ˈtʃerəbz/
plural of “cherub” — a sweet innocent baby
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
DavisnounUS /ˈdeɪvəs/
English navigator who explored the Arctic while searching for the Northwest Passage (1550-1605)
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
debatesnounUS /dəˈbeɪts/
plural of “debate” — a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
deep-wateradjective
of or carried on in waters of great depth
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
excitableadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtəbəl/
easily excited
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
fasteradverbUS /ˈfæstər/
more quickly
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
fluffyadjectiveUS /ˈflʌfi/
like down or as soft as down
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
FOC'S'LE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
glintingadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɪntɪŋ/
having brief brilliant points or flashes of light
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
heavenlyadjectiveUS /ˈhevənli/
relating to or inhabiting a divine heaven
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
Higgins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
increasenounUS /ˌɪnˈkriːs/
a quantity that is added
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
indulgedverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒd/
past form of “indulge” — give free rein to
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
PacificnounUS /pəˈsɪfɪk/
the largest ocean in the world
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
paintersnounUS /ˈpeɪntərz/
plural of “painter” — an artist who paints
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
pretendingnounUS /priˈtendɪŋ/
the act of giving a false appearance
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
proppedverbUS /prɑːpt/
inflected form of “prop” — support by placing against something solid or rigid
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
reignedverbUS /reɪnd/
past form of “reign” — have sovereign power
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
sewverbUS /soʊ/
fasten by sewing; do needlework
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
sheep-backs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
signifyingverbUS /ˈsɪɡnəfaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “signify” — denote or connote
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
south-eastadverb
to, toward, or in the southeast
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
steeplechasenounUS /ˈstiːpəltʃeɪs/
a footrace of usually 3000 meters over a closed track with hurdles and a water jump
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
stratanounUS /ˈstrætə/
plural of “stratum” — one of several parallel layers of material arranged one on top of another (such as a layer of tissue or cells in an organism or a layer of sedimentary rock)
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
stretchverbUS /stretʃ/
occupy a large, elongated area
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
superbadjectiveUS /sʊˈpɜːrb/
of surpassing excellence
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
tradesnounUS /treɪdz/
plural of “trade” — the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
the topmost one of two
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
watchesnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃəz/
plural of “watch” — a small portable timepiece
From this reading Forward both watches were assembled on the foc's'le head--some stretched on their backs with eyes shut, others propped up against the capstan or bitts pretending to sew or read.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "ON THE FOC'S'LE HEAD" One Sunday afternoon in the south-east trades the foc's'le indulged itself in another of those excitable debates which sailors on deep-water ships love so much.
an old and formal word for “while”
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
a Caucasian
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The upper strata of these sheep-backs moved faster than the lower, as if engaged in a heavenly steeplechase, signifying an increase of wind.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a superb South Pacific day, with a glinting sea and a sky full of those fluffy white billowy clouds which painters so delight to seat cherubs upon.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading On the _Higgins_, for a wonder, peace reigned, for the old man and Black Davis were both below taking a "stretch off the land," whilst the bosun held the deck.
