Chapter V

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

liveliness and eagerness

From this reading This order was executed with alacrity.

Having no one else present.

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

past form of “blaze” — shine brightly and intensively

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

go after with the intent to catch

From this reading THE CHASE.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

complete or carry out

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

put to death as punishment

From this reading This order was executed with alacrity.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

start firing a weapon

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

plural of “firearm” — a portable gun

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

having lost your job

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

wale at the top of the side of boat; topmost planking of a wooden vessel

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

in a harmless manner

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

take somebody somewhere

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

a muzzle-loading shoulder gun with a long barrel; formerly used by infantrymen

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading This order was executed with alacrity.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

past form of “patter” — rain gently

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

a person who is pursuing and trying to overtake or capture

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

plural of “rascal” — a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

gear consisting of ropes etc. supporting a ship's masts and sails

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

precisely, exactly

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

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

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

plural of “slug” — a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

plant having heads of fragrant white trumpet-shaped flowers; grows in sandy arid regions

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

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

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

wood in small pieces or splinters

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

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

From this reading THE CHASE.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This order was executed with alacrity.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

with valor; in a valiant manner

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

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

From this reading This order was executed with alacrity.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

sound of something in rapid motion

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

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

From this reading We had four good rifles and ten long-barrelled and wide-muzzled sealing-guns, each of which sent ten or twelve slugs of lead _whirring_ through the air at every discharge, and we blazed away right valiantly at the crowd of rascals in the schooner's bows; but so great was the distance between us, that I am certain our fire fell harmlessly into the sea--the rifle shots alone could have told with effect.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Cuffy Snowball fired his musket at our pursuer, whether with or without effect we know not; but, in reply, a confused discharge of firearms followed, and the balls pattered among the rigging, and knocked little splinters from our spars and gunwale.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Now, my lads," said Hartly, "let fly at her with everything you have--sealing-guns and rifles!"