Chapter XIII

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

later than; following

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

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

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

in addition

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

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

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

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

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

having a broad or rounded end

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But I fear that that is out of the question, for the sail is a big one."

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

forced to turn and face attackers

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading "Do as they did," sang out Mr. Blunt.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "Do as they did," sang out Mr. Blunt.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

an opposing military force

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

divisible by two

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But I fear that that is out of the question, for the sail is a big one."

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

showing lack of skill or aptitude

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

an association of criminals

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

a toothed wheel that engages another toothed mechanism in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

an event that happens

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

-ing form of “hoist” — raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

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

From this reading But I fear that that is out of the question, for the sail is a big one."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

engage in

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

a vertical spar for supporting sails

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

a form of address for a man

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

plural of “oar” — an implement used to propel or steer a boat

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But I fear that that is out of the question, for the sail is a big one."

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading But I fear that that is out of the question, for the sail is a big one."

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

inflected form of “propel” — cause to move forward with force

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading But I fear that that is out of the question, for the sail is a big one."

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

North American woodland herb similar to and used as substitute for the Chinese ginseng

From this reading "Do as they did," sang out Mr. Blunt.

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

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

in the near future

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

inflected form of “spur” — incite or stimulate

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

in a swift manner

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

closely constrained or constricted or constricting

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

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

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

except if; if not

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

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

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

during the time that

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading However, the knowledge that something must be done if they wished to escape spurred them on to make an effort, and after a little fumbling in the dark they managed to hoist a few feet of the sail, and even to get some way on the boat.

in the company of; together with

From this reading IN A TIGHT CORNER "We are cornered, I fear," said Mr. Blunt as soon as he had fully realized what was happening, and that the enemy were now following swiftly, their big river boat under sail, and part of their gang in a craft which they propelled with oars, "unless we also could hoist a little canvas.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Then they went to the mast, to find the yard and sail extremely heavy, while in the darkness it was almost impossible to find the hoisting gear.