Chapter X · Chapter 10

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

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

(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 But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

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

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

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

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading It was a very small sail, and from the forecastle looked no bigger than a cambric pocket-handkerchief.

a youthful male person

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

plural of “button” — a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

make calm or still

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

a finely woven white linen

From this reading It was a very small sail, and from the forecastle looked no bigger than a cambric pocket-handkerchief.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

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

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

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

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

feelings of excessive pride

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading The order was given to loose the _main-skysail,_ which is the fifth and highest sail from deck.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

of or relating to the Netherlands or its people or culture

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon

From this reading The order was given to loose the _main-skysail,_ which is the fifth and highest sail from deck.

the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

an imperfection in an object or machine

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

living quarters consisting of a superstructure in the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed

From this reading It was a very small sail, and from the forecastle looked no bigger than a cambric pocket-handkerchief.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The order was given to loose the _main-skysail,_ which is the fifth and highest sail from deck.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading The order was given to loose the _main-skysail,_ which is the fifth and highest sail from deck.

the act of departing

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

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

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The order was given to loose the _main-skysail,_ which is the fifth and highest sail from deck.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

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

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

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

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a very small sail, and from the forecastle looked no bigger than a cambric pocket-handkerchief.

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

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

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

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading It was a very small sail, and from the forecastle looked no bigger than a cambric pocket-handkerchief.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

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

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

a public toilet for men

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

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

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

not any; not one

From this reading It was a very small sail, and from the forecastle looked no bigger than a cambric pocket-handkerchief.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading The order was given to loose the _main-skysail,_ which is the fifth and highest sail from deck.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

a handkerchief that is carried in a pocket

From this reading It was a very small sail, and from the forecastle looked no bigger than a cambric pocket-handkerchief.

so unreasonable as to invite derision

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

plural of “royal” — a sail set next above the topgallant on a royal mast

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading The order was given to loose the _main-skysail,_ which is the fifth and highest sail from deck.

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

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

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

the sail above the royal on a square-rigger

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

plural of “skyscraper” — a very tall building with many stories

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

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

From this reading It was a very small sail, and from the forecastle looked no bigger than a cambric pocket-handkerchief.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

in the near future

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

not in physical motion

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

carry out

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

express in words

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was a very small sail, and from the forecastle looked no bigger than a cambric pocket-handkerchief.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

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

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

a special situation

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

up to a particular time

From this reading But I have heard that some ships carry still smaller sails, above the skysail; called _moon-sails,_ and _skyscrapers,_ and _cloud-rakers._ But I shall not believe in them till I see them; a _skysail_ seems high enough in all conscience; and the idea of any thing higher than that, seems preposterous.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

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

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was a very small sail, and from the forecastle looked no bigger than a cambric pocket-handkerchief.

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

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

look attentively

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

at the time that

From this reading AT DEAD OF NIGHT HE IS SENT UP TO LOOSE THE MAIN-SKYSAIL I must now run back a little, and tell of my first going aloft at middle watch, when the sea was quite calm, and the breeze was mild.

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

From this reading The order was given to loose the _main-skysail,_ which is the fifth and highest sail from deck.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Besides, it looks almost like tempting heaven, to brush the very firmament so, and almost put the eyes of the stars out; when a flaw of wind, too, might very soon take the conceit out of these cloud-defying _cloud-rakers._ Now, when the order was passed to loose the skysail, an old Dutch sailor came up to me, and said, “Buttons, my boy, it’s high time you be doing something; and it’s boy’s business, Buttons, to loose de royals, and not old men’s business, like me.