used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
on a ship, train, plane or other vehicle
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
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 Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
(of mail) marked with a destination
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
any thing at all
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
the act of overcoming or outdoing
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
for the reason that
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
beggingnounUS /ˈbeɡɪŋ/
a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person)
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
blazenounUS /bleɪz/
a strong flame that burns brightly
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
cheeryadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɪri/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
coalsnounUS /koʊlz/
plural of “coal” — fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
dredgingverbUS /ˈdredʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “dredge” — cover before cooking
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
fireplacenounUS /ˈfaɪərpleɪs/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
HaleynounUS /ˈheɪli/
United States rock singer who was one of the first to popularize rock'n'roll music (1925-1981)
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
It's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
lainverbUS /leɪn/
inflected form of “lie” — be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
the force of workers available
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
misuseverbUS /mɪˈsjuːz/
apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
piratesnounUS /ˈpaɪrəts/
plural of “pirate” — someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
express in words
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
be standing; be upright
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
sticksnounUS /stɪks/
plural of “stick” — an implement consisting of a length of wood
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
stirringnounUS /ˈstɜːrɪŋ/
agitating a liquid with an implement
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
tricksnounUS /trɪks/
plural of “trick” — a cunning or deceitful action or device
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
we'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Why, I’ve lain in bed on summer nights and heard those poor fellows out aboard begging for mercy—and I couldn’t do anything to help them.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Will Adams, stirring the coals in the fireplace of his cheery dining-room, added two sticks of oak to the blaze, resumed his seat and addressed his guests.
wishingnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪŋ/
a specific feeling of desire
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading It’s hard to catch a captain in the act of beating a man, and they have all kinds of tricks to escape; the worst ones stand together and help one another out.
a late time of life
From this reading “I’ve been wishing for years,” he said, “that I could have a chance to catch one of these dredging pirates that misuse their men so.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading But we’ll get this man, Haley, because he comes into the river, you say.
