used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading ADVENTURE WITH A WHALE.
a feeling of delighted approval and liking
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading ADVENTURE WITH A WHALE.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
alarmingadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/
frightening because of an awareness of danger
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
the lower side of anything
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
brignounUS /brɪɡ/
two-masted sailing vessel square-rigged on both masts
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
brig's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
bubbledverbUS /ˈbʌbəld/
past form of “bubble” — form, produce, or emit bubbles
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
Cary's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
chattingverbUS /ˈtʃætɪŋ/
inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
chickensnounUS /ˈtʃɪkənz/
plural of “chicken” — the flesh of a chicken used for food
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
counternounUS /ˈkaʊntər/
table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
Don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
duskyadjective
lighted by or as if by twilight
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
floatedverbUS /ˈfloʊtəd/
past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
floodedadjectiveUS /ˈflʌdəd/
covered with water
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
HansnounUS /hɑːns/
plural of “han” — imperial dynasty that ruled China (most of the time from 206 BC to AD 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of Chinese civilization
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
Hartly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
hullnounUS /hʌl/
dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
a small worthless amount
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
conformity or harmony
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
LedanounUS /ˈliːdə/
(Greek mythology) a queen of Sparta who was raped by Zeus who had taken the form of a swan; Helen of Troy was conceived in the rape of Leda
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
without good reason
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
listlesslyadverbUS /ˈlɪstləsli/
in a listless manner
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
mill-race
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
north-eastadverbUS /ˌnɔːrˈθiːst/
to, toward, or in the northeast
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
Orkney
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
pouringadjectiveUS /ˈpɔːrɪŋ/
flowing profusely
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
inflected form of “sink” — fall or descend to a lower place or level
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
ship'snounUS /ʃɪps/
possessive form of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
southwardadverbUS /ˈsaʊθwərd/
toward the south
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
tacksnounUS /tæks/
plural of “tack” — the heading or position of a vessel relative to the trim of its sails
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
torrentsnounUS /ˈtɔːrənts/
plural of “torrent” — a heavy rain
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
trimmedadjectiveUS /trɪmd/
made neat and tidy by trimming
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
trippingadjectiveUS /ˈtrɪpɪŋ/
characterized by a buoyant rhythm
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
uppermostadjectiveUS /ˈʌpərmoʊst/
at or nearest to the top
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
veeredverbUS /vɪrd/
past form of “veer” — turn sharply; change direction abruptly
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Its appearance was so sudden and alarming, that I started back; but Hartly laughed, saying, "Don't mind him, Jack; he is not coming on board."
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
weather-quarter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
WHALEnounUS /weɪl/
a very large person; impressive in size or qualities
From this reading ADVENTURE WITH A WHALE.
whaleman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a full minute he floated in the water, keeping pace with the brig, to the great admiration of our old Orkney whaleman, Hans, and then sank slowly down--down far below.
at the time that
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
a Caucasian
From this reading Hartly and I were leaning over the weather-quarter, chatting and gazing listlessly at the white water that bubbled like a flooded mill-race under the brig's counter, while Mother Cary's chickens came tripping lightly after us, when suddenly a huge whale (like a ship's hull, bottom uppermost) rose from the waves close by us, with the water pouring in torrents from its dusky and shining sides.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Next day the wind veered due west, and we trimmed the _Leda_, to lie close to it, making long tacks to the southward, as we had been driven so far to the north-east.
in the company of; together with
From this reading ADVENTURE WITH A WHALE.
