Chapter XVII

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

From this reading The governor and his band were certainly in a predicament.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

(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 A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

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

From this reading The governor and his band were certainly in a predicament.

close fighting during the culmination of a military attack

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE BATTLE AT THE BRIDGE.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading The governor and his band were certainly in a predicament.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading THE BATTLE AT THE BRIDGE.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

plural of “bluff” — a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading THE BATTLE AT THE BRIDGE.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading The governor and his band were certainly in a predicament.

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

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

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

a small inlet

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

-ing form of “cruise” — drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

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

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

the head of a state government

From this reading The governor and his band were certainly in a predicament.

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

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

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

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

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

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

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

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

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

From this reading The governor and his band were certainly in a predicament.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

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

From this reading The governor and his band were certainly in a predicament.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

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

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

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

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

come together

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

the force of workers available

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

a temporary rank held by young naval officers in training

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

plural of “pirate” — someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one

From this reading The governor and his band were certainly in a predicament.

-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

housing available for people to live in

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

plural of “shoal” — a sandbank in a stretch of water that is visible at low tide

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

plural of “student” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

confined on all sides

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

a lottery in which the prize consists of the money paid by the participants

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

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

From this reading THE BATTLE AT THE BRIDGE.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

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

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

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

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

pull hard

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

plural of “tug” — a sudden abrupt pull

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

the topmost one of two

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

an act of traveling by water

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

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

From this reading A half dozen tugs were, by this time cruising about the bay in all directions; the Storm King lay at the upper end of the shoals under the bluffs, her crew kept constantly at quarters, in readiness to board the Sweepstakes if she came out; and a strong force, under command of the midshipman, was preparing to assault the pirates in their hiding-place.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

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

From this reading The governor and his band were certainly in a predicament.

at the time that

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?

which person or people

From this reading Harry thought he had them surrounded; and there were few, indeed, among the Crusoe men who did not believe that their voyage was at an end.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading It is true they had a way of escape from the cove that the students knew nothing about--by the channel that ran across the lower end of the shoals--but who among them could promise that they would not meet a tug there when they went out?