used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
at or in the front
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
(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 She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
lacking funds
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
canvasnounUS /ˈkænvəs/
a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
without stop or interruption
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
differedverbUS /ˈdɪfərd/
past form of “differ” — be different
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
without deviation
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
extraadjectiveUS /ˈekstrə/
more than is needed, desired, or required
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
fasteradverbUS /ˈfæstər/
more quickly
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
frigatenounUS /ˈfrɪɡət/
a medium size square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
Indiamannoun
a large sailing ship that was engaged in the British trade with India
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
man-of-warnoun
a warship intended for combat
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
on one occasion
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
plural of “opinion” — a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
patchnounUS /pætʃ/
a small contrasting part of something
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
privateernoun
an officer or crew member of a privateer
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
PRIVATEER'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PRIVATEER'S RENDEZVOUS.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
regardlessadverbUS /rəˈɡɑːrdləs/
in spite of everything; without regard to drawbacks
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
RENDEZVOUSnounUS /ˈrɑːndɪvuː/
a meeting planned at a certain time and place
From this reading THE PRIVATEER'S RENDEZVOUS.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
transport commercially
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
sufficedverbUS /səˈfaɪst/
past form of “suffice” — be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
From this reading The other ship at once shook out more canvas, but half an hour sufficed to show that the privateer was much the faster vessel.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PRIVATEER'S RENDEZVOUS.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading The stranger took in the extra canvas she had set, and continued her course as if altogether regardless of the privateer.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
at the time that
From this reading When morning broke the vessel that the privateer had been watching in the night was seen to be three miles directly ahead.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading She was a large vessel, and for some time opinions differed as to whether she was a frigate or an Indiaman; but when it became quite light a patch or two in the canvas showed that she could not be a man-of-war, and all sail was at once crowded on to the privateer.
