Chapter II

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

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

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

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

not being in a specified place

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

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

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

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

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

brought into existence

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

the two together, not just one

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

of or pertaining to or typical of Europe

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

plural of “dock” — an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

apart from; not including

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

opinion or judgment

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

surrounded as with a border or fringe; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

having brief brilliant points or flashes of light

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

having or deserving or conferring glory

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

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

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

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

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

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

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

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

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

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

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

in a keen or penetrating way

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

a commissioned military officer

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

gracefully thin and bending and moving with ease

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

plural of “mast” — a vertical spar for supporting sails

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

a means or instrumentality for storing or communicating information

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

the force of workers available

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

of or relating to or consisting of muscle

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

an interconnected system of things or people

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

uniquely or characteristically

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

not often

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

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

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

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

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

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

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

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

From this reading His figure was slight, and he was not above medium height; but he was both graceful and muscular.

(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.

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

From this reading His eyes were peculiarly black and beautiful, and had an expression of command in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to lead other men.

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

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

during the time that

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading Innumerable masts and spars made a network against the dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning of the glorious navy of the United States.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut through the ice and kept open with difficulty.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia gazing keenly down the river.