used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
AdriftadjectiveUS /əˈdrɪft/
aimlessly drifting
From this reading Adrift.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
blacksnounUS /blæks/
plural of “black” — the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
bulkheadnounUS /ˈbʌlkhed/
a partition that divides a ship or plane into compartments
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
crew'snounUS /kruːz/
possessive form of “crew” — the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
forecastlenoun
living quarters consisting of a superstructure in the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
guardsnounUS /ɡɑːrdz/
plural of “guard” — a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
hatchverbUS /hætʃ/
emerge from the eggs
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
the act of retaining something
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
an opening into or through something
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
implementverbUS /ˈɪmpləmənt/
apply in a manner consistent with its purpose or design
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
immediately past
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
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 It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
most important element
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
the force of workers available
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
nailedverbUS /neɪld/
past form of “nail” — attach something somewhere by means of nails
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
neglectverbUS /nəˈɡlekt/
leave undone or leave out
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
negroesnounUS /ˈniːɡroʊz/
plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
cut with a saw
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
seizeverbUS /siːz/
take hold of; grab
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
SeizingnounUS /ˈsiːzɪŋ/
small stuff that is used for lashing two or more ropes together
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
separatingverbUS /ˈsepəreɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “separate” — act as a barrier between; stand between
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
shotsnounUS /ʃɑːts/
plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
stationedverbUS /ˈsteɪʃənd/
past form of “station” — assign to a station
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
unnoticedadjectiveUS /ənˈnoʊtɪst/
not noticed
From this reading It was part of an old hand saw, that had, by some neglect, been left unnoticed on the floor of the hold.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Several shots drove back the blacks, then the hole, which was a small one, was nailed up and another guard stationed.
usingnounUS /ˈjuːzɪŋ/
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
weaponsnounUS /ˈwepənz/
plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
weariedadjectiveUS /ˈwɪrid/
exhausted
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
in or at the place that
From this reading Seizing their weapons, the wearied men ran forward to the forecastle, where the negroes had nearly cut another hole through the bulkhead separating the crew's quarters from the hold.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
which person or people
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
in the company of; together with
From this reading One of the main hatch guards was holding them at bay, and had managed to seize the implement with which they had gained their liberty, from the savage who happened to be using it last.
