used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
abackadverbUS /əˈbæk/
having the wind against the forward side of the sails
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
accidentsnounUS /ˈæksədənts/
plural of “accident” — an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Well, gentlemen all, and ladies too, I hope—for, bless you!
aloftadverbUS /əˈlɔːft/
at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Well, gentlemen all, and ladies too, I hope—for, bless you!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
barringnounUS /ˈbɑːrɪŋ/
the act of excluding someone by a negative vote or veto
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
BEDDOES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM BEDDOES’ YARN.
give a benediction to
From this reading Well, gentlemen all, and ladies too, I hope—for, bless you!
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
inflected form of “bear” — have
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
BurtonnounUS /ˈbɜːrtən/
English explorer who with John Speke was the first European to explore Lake Tanganyika (1821-1890)
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
a boy or man
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
chicksnounUS /tʃɪks/
plural of “chick” — young bird especially of domestic fowl
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
Darcy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
a quad with a square body
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
enemy'snounUS /ˈenəmiz/
possessive form of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
at any time
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
your parents
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Well, gentlemen all, and ladies too, I hope—for, bless you!
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading Well, gentlemen all, and ladies too, I hope—for, bless you!
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
gripnounUS /ɡrɪp/
the act of grasping
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
gunnernounUS /ˈɡʌnər/
a serviceman in the artillery
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
helmnounUS /helm/
steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Well, gentlemen all, and ladies too, I hope—for, bless you!
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
JIM
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM BEDDOES’ YARN.
and nothing more
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Well, gentlemen all, and ladies too, I hope—for, bless you!
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
meanin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
messmatenoun
(nautical) an associate with whom you share meals in the same mess (as on a ship)
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
a form of address for a man
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
Ned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
readsnounUS /riːdz/
plural of “read” — something that is read
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
reconnoitreverbUS /ˌriːkəˈnɔɪtər/
explore, often with the goal of finding something or somebody
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
s'pose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
express in words
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
ship-shape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
shore-going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
express in speech
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
sperrits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
spinningnounUS /ˈspɪnɪŋ/
creating thread
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
that's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
in or at that place or location
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Well, gentlemen all, and ladies too, I hope—for, bless you!
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
a cunning or deceitful action or device
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Well, gentlemen all, and ladies too, I hope—for, bless you!
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading I know well enough, through having chicks of my own, that sisters reads their brothers’ books when they can get a hold of ’em—you all of you know, through having read Mr. Darcy’s yarn, that he, the gunner, and my messmate, Ned Burton—as fine a chap as ever ran aloft or took his trick at the helm, though that’s neither here nor there—went off together to reconnoitre the enemy’s position.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
at the time that
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
in the company of; together with
From this reading I may say they went off in fine sperrits, and with the intention of returning in half an hour or so, barring accidents.
won't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was just about took flat aback when it was borne in upon me what had happened; but I must set about spinning my yarn in a ship-shape fashion, I s’pose, or shore-going folks won’t get a grip of my meanin’, so to speak.
YARNnounUS /jɑːrn/
the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events
From this reading JIM BEDDOES’ YARN.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Well, gentlemen all, and ladies too, I hope—for, bless you!
