used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
anew
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
(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 THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
annalsnounUS /ˈænəlz/
reports of the work of a society or learned body etc
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
assignedadjectiveUS /əˈsaɪnd/
appointed to a post or duty
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
Bainbridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
BarbarynounUS /ˈbɑːrbəri/
a region of northern Africa on the Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Gibraltar; was used as a base for pirates from the 16th to 19th centuries
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
Bashaw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
befellverbUS /bɪˈfel/
inflected form of “befall” — become of; happen to
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
blockadenounUS /ˌblɑːˈkeɪd/
a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
exhale hard
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
brought into existence
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
of surpassing excellence
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
captivesnounUS /ˈkæptɪvz/
plural of “captive” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
capturedverbUS /ˈkæptʃərd/
past form of “capture” — succeed in representing or expressing something intangible
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
ChildsnounUS /tʃaɪldz/
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
CommodorenounUS /ˈkɑːmədɔːr/
a commissioned naval officer who ranks above a captain and below a rear admiral; the lowest grade of admiral
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
DecaturnounUS /dɪˈkeɪtər/
United States naval officer remembered for his heroic deeds (1779-1820)
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
disasternounUS /dɪˈzæstər/
a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
exploitsnounUS /ˈeksplɔɪts/
plural of “exploit” — a notable achievement
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
FortunatelyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
by good fortune
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
frigatenounUS /ˈfrɪɡət/
a medium size square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
galesnounUS /ɡeɪlz/
plural of “gale” — a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
harborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
plural of “keep” — the financial means whereby one lives
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
something that is lost
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
MediterraneannounUS /ˌmedətərˈeɪniən/
the largest inland sea; between Europe and Africa and Asia
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
the force of workers available
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
mettlenounUS /ˈmetəl/
the courage to carry on
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
navy'snounUS /ˈneɪviz/
possessive form of “navy” — an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
PHILADELPHIAnounUS /ˌfɪləˈdelfiə/
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 THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
Preble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
reefnounUS /riːf/
a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
ReubennounUS /ˈruːbən/
(Old Testment) a son of Jacob and forefather of one of the tribes of Israel
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
SamuelnounUS /ˈsæmjuːl/
(Old Testament) Hebrew prophet and judge who anointed Saul as king
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
express in words
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
sojournnounUS /ˈsoʊdʒərn/
a temporary stay (e.g., as a guest)
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
spunverbUS /spʌn/
inflected form of “spin” — revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
squadronnounUS /ˈskwɑːdrən/
a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
StephennounUS /ˈstiːvən/
English writer (1832-1904)
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
strandedadjectiveUS /ˈstrændɪd/
cut off or left behind
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
tethersnounUS /ˈteðərz/
plural of “tether” — restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Fortunately, before this disaster befell, Captain Bainbridge had been given an opportunity to show the Mediterranean squadron his mettle, for Commodore Preble had assigned the _Philadelphia_, under Bainbridge, to blockade duty on the Barbary Coast.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
TripolinounUS /ˈtrɪpəli/
a weathered and decomposed siliceous limestone; in powdered form it is used in polishing
From this reading The frigate _Philadelphia_ stranded on a reef in the harbor of Tripoli, and Captain Bainbridge and his men were left captives in the hands of the Bashaw.
TunisnounUS /ˈtuːnɪs/
the capital and principal port of Tunisia
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
look attentively
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
weathersnounUS /ˈweðərz/
plural of “weather” — the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
at the time that
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
in or at the place that
From this reading THE LOSS OF THE _PHILADELPHIA_ "_But sailors were born for all weathers,_ _Great guns let it blow, high or low,_ _Our duty keeps us to our tethers,_ _And where the gales drive we must go._" Hard luck, indeed!
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
yarnnounUS /jɑːrn/
the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events
From this reading When I fell in again with Samuel Childs and Reuben James after my sojourn in Tunis, the first yarn spun to me in the night watch was that of how the _Philadelphia_ had been captured.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet the ill wind for them was a kind wind for me, since it brought me a chance to serve under Stephen Decatur in what men say is one of the most brilliant exploits in our navy's annals.
