Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

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

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

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

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

the past participle of “be”

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

confined by bonds

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

two-masted sailing vessel square-rigged on both masts

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

succeed in representing or expressing something intangible

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

relating to or characteristic of Christianity

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

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

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

a regional term for “creature” (especially for domestic animals)

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

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

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

characterized by great determination

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

at any time

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

death of a person

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

having a usually specified type of handle

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

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

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

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

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

a pointed iron hand tool that is used to separate strands of a rope or cable (as in splicing)

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

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

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

in a stubborn unregenerate manner

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

on one occasion

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

and nothing more

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

the possibility of future success

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

one of four equal parts

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

past form of “rebuke” — censure severely or angrily

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

full of or exhibiting respect

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

plural of “salt” — a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

any of numerous elongate mostly marine carnivorous fishes with heterocercal caudal fins and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

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

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

direct the course; determine the direction of travelling

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

the act of guiding or showing the way

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

not in physical motion

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

coming after or following

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

carry out

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

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

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

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

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

in the direction of

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

as the end result of a succession or process

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading On the day succeeding the capture of the shark a fine breeze sprung up.

in truth; certainly

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

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

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

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

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

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

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

a Caucasian

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.

which person or people

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

to an extreme or greatly exaggerated degree

From this reading One of the "old salts," having been rebuked by the captain for steering wildly, declared, in a grave but respectful tone, that he could steer as good a trick at the helm as any man who ever handled a marlinspike; but he "verily believed the old critter knew as much as a Christian, and was obstinately determined to turn round and take a look at her starn!"

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading The regular "trade wind" now commenced, and there was a prospect, although still a distant one, of ultimately reaching the port to which we were bound.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With a strong breeze on the quarter, it required not only labor, but skill, to steer the interesting craft.

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

From this reading Once more the white foam appeared beneath the bows, as the old brig plunged, and rolled, and wriggled along on her way towards Demarara.