used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading "No. Here, Bruff, leave that alone and come here."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "No. Here, Bruff, leave that alone and come here."
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
berthnounUS /bɜːrθ/
a job in an organization
From this reading "I showed you your berth, my lad, go and turn in."
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
biteverbUS /baɪt/
to grip, cut off, or tear with or as if with the teeth or jaws
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
boatswainnounUS /ˈboʊtsweɪn/
a petty officer on a merchant ship who controls the work of other seamen
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
bonenounUS /boʊn/
rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
Bruff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "No. Here, Bruff, leave that alone and come here."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
captain'snounUS /ˈkæptənz/
possessive form of “captain” — an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "No. Here, Bruff, leave that alone and come here."
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
declarationnounUS /ˌdeklərˈeɪʃən/
a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
eyeingverbUS /ˈaɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “eye” — look at
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
fleshyadjectiveUS /ˈfleʃi/
usually describes a large person who is fat but has a large frame to carry it
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
set up or found
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
characteristic of or befitting a friend
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "I showed you your berth, my lad, go and turn in."
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
gripnounUS /ɡrɪp/
the act of grasping
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "No. Here, Bruff, leave that alone and come here."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I showed you your berth, my lad, go and turn in."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
indicateverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪt/
be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
jerkverbUS /dʒɜːrk/
pull, or move with a sudden movement
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
and nothing more
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
a boy or man
From this reading "I showed you your berth, my lad, go and turn in."
go away from a place
From this reading "No. Here, Bruff, leave that alone and come here."
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
Mark'snounUS /mɑːrks/
possessive form of “mark” — a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "I showed you your berth, my lad, go and turn in."
not any; not one
From this reading "No. Here, Bruff, leave that alone and come here."
nodverbUS /nɑːd/
express or signify by nodding
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
not one, and not any
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
and nothing more
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
opportunitiesnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnətiz/
plural of “opportunity” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
seizeverbUS /siːz/
take hold of; grab
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading "I showed you your berth, my lad, go and turn in."
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
a male human offspring
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
stowawaynounUS /ˈstoʊəweɪ/
a person who hides aboard a ship or plane in the hope of getting free passage
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
suspiciouslyadverbUS /səˈspɪʃəsli/
with suspicion
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "No. Here, Bruff, leave that alone and come here."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
thumbsnounUS /θʌmz/
plural of “thumb” — the thick short innermost digit of the forelimb
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading "I showed you your berth, my lad, go and turn in."
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Just then Small the boatswain came up from the hold, nodded at Mark, and gave one of his thumbs a jerk.
precisely as stated
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The man went forward and disappeared below, while the big rough boatswain gave the captain's son another friendly nod.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Mark's declaration that the dog would not bite seemed to give the man very little confidence, and no wonder, for Bruff kept eyeing the stowaway suspiciously in a way which seemed to indicate that he was looking out for a fleshy place to seize, but to his disappointment found none, only good opportunities for a grip at a bone.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "I showed you your berth, my lad, go and turn in."
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "I showed you your berth, my lad, go and turn in."
