used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
(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 All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
beltsnounUS /belts/
plural of “belt” — endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading With their belts, these boys represented a money valuation of more than a million francs.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
rid of obstructions
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
defendverbUS /dɪˈfend/
argue or speak in defense of
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
DutchadjectiveUS /dʌtʃ/
of or relating to the Netherlands or its people or culture
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
to come or go into
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
FlushingverbUS /ˈflʌʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “flush” — turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
forbiddenadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪd.ən/
Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
francsnounUS /fræŋks/
plural of “franc” — the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 centimes
From this reading With their belts, these boys represented a money valuation of more than a million francs.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
HansnounUS /hɑːns/
plural of “han” — imperial dynasty that ruled China (most of the time from 206 BC to AD 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of Chinese civilization
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
with impatience; in an impatient manner
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
inspectionnounUS /ˌɪnˈspekʃən/
a formal or official examination
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
intimateadjectiveUS /ˈɪntəmət/
marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
men-of-war
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
millionnounUS /ˈmɪljən/
the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
From this reading With their belts, these boys represented a money valuation of more than a million francs.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading With their belts, these boys represented a money valuation of more than a million francs.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading With their belts, these boys represented a money valuation of more than a million francs.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
movernounUS /ˈmuːvər/
workman employed by a moving company
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
nappingadjectiveUS /ˈnæpɪŋ/
not prepared or vigilant
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
neutralitynounUS /nuːˈtræləti/
nonparticipation in a dispute or war
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
information about recent and important events
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
nightfallnounUS /ˈnaɪtfɔːl/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
not any; not one
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
representedadjectiveUS /ˌreprɪˈzentɪd/
represented accurately or precisely
From this reading With their belts, these boys represented a money valuation of more than a million francs.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
sandedverbUS /ˈsændɪd/
past form of “sand” — rub with sandpaper
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
Scheldtnoun
a river that rises in France and flows northeast across Belgium and empties into the North Sea
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
scrapingnounUS /ˈskreɪpɪŋ/
(usually plural) a fragment scraped off of something and collected
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
seekernounUS /ˈsiːkər/
someone making a search or inquiry
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
shippingnounUS /ˈʃɪpɪŋ/
the commercial enterprise of moving goods and materials
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
SinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Since arrival in Flushing, the day before, Hans had been an active mover at the mouth of the Scheldt, and for shipping news an eager seeker.
steamverbUS /stiːm/
travel by means of steam power
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
submittingverbUS /səbˈmɪtɪŋ/
inflected form of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
sunrisenounUS /ˈsʌnraɪz/
the first light of day
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
tap-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading With their belts, these boys represented a money valuation of more than a million francs.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading With their belts, these boys represented a money valuation of more than a million francs.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
valuationnounUS /væljuːˈeɪʃən/
an appraisal of the value of something
From this reading With their belts, these boys represented a money valuation of more than a million francs.
vesselsnounUS /ˈvesəlz/
plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading All vessels were forbidden to clear from the port and enter the North Sea after nightfall, and on the sanded floor of the tap-room, in a sailors’ house of rest, our boys were impatiently scraping their feet, awaiting sunrise.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Three Dutch men-of-war, with steam up, lay off Flushing, ready to defend the neutrality of their waters.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading In their anxiety to get away without submitting to intimate inspection, they had no desire for napping.
