used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
(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 As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
the lower side of anything
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
channelsnounUS /ˈtʃænəlz/
official routes of communication
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
CHASINGverbUS /ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/
-ing form of “chase” — go after with the intent to catch
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
chillnounUS /tʃɪl/
coldness due to a cold environment
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
an officer in command of a military unit
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
converseverbUS /ˈkɑːnvərs/
carry on a conversation
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
cruisedverbUS /kruːzd/
past form of “cruise” — drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
cutter's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
dampnessnounUS /ˈdæmpnɪs/
a slight wetness
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
a statement that represents something in words
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
destinationnounUS /ˌdestəˈneɪʃən/
the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
detailedadjectiveUS /dɪˈteɪld/
developed or executed with care and in minute detail
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
characterized by great determination
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
one or the other of two
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
brought together in one place
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
a message received and understood
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/
in a keen or penetrating way
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
ladingnounUS /ˈleɪdɪŋ/
goods carried by a large vehicle
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
a commissioned military officer
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
louderadjectiveUS /ˈlaʊdər/
comparative of “loud” — characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
muffledadjectiveUS /ˈmʌfəld/
being or made softer or less loud or clear
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
of an obscure nature
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
not any; not one
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
occupantsnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənts/
plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
passagesnounUS /ˈpæsədʒəz/
plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
the activity of protecting someone or something
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
revenue-cutter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
sloopnounUS /sluːp/
a sailing vessel with a single mast set about one third of the boat's length aft of the bow
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
stern-sheets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
carry out
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
ulsternounUS /ˈʌlstər/
a historic division of Ireland located in the northeastern part of the island; six of Ulster's nine counties are in Northern Ireland
From this reading In the stern-sheets of each boat sat an officer muffled in a heavy ulster as a protection against the chill dampness of the night.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
the topmost one of two
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
Vashon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
look attentively
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As a result of this interview it was determined to guard all passages leading to the upper Sound; and during the hours of darkness the cutter's boats, under small sail, cruised back and forth across the channels on either side of Vashon Island, one of which the sloop must take.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While half of each crew got what sleep they might in the bottom of the boat, the others were on watch and keenly alert.
speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading They showed no lights, and their occupants were not allowed to converse in tones louder than a whisper.
in the company of; together with
From this reading CHASING A MYSTERIOUS LIGHT The commander of the revenue-cutter had received from his lieutenant a detailed description of the sloop _Fancy_, together with what other information that officer had gathered concerning her destination, lading, and crew.
