used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
angryadjectiveUS /ˈæŋɡri/
feeling or showing anger
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
move towards
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
broadsidenounUS /ˈbrɔːdsaɪd/
an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
put or send forth
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
an officer in command of a military unit
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
without stop or interruption
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
divertedadjectiveUS /daɪˈvɜːrtɪd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
elatedadjectiveUS /ɪˈleɪtəd/
exultantly proud and joyful; in high spirits
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
fiercelyadverbUS /ˈfɪrsli/
in a physically fierce manner
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
frigatenounUS /ˈfrɪɡət/
a medium size square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
glancesnounUS /ˈɡlænsɪz/
plural of “glance” — a quick look
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
GriffithnounUS /ˈɡrɪfəθ/
United States film maker who was the first to use flashbacks and fade-outs (1875-1948)
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
irresistibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl/
impossible to resist; overpowering
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
for more time
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
the force of workers available
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
absolutely essential
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
nighadjectiveUS /naɪ/
not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
not any; not one
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
obstaclenounUS /ˈɑːbstəkəl/
something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
renderverbUS /ˈrendər/
cause to become
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
retreatednounUS /riˈtriːtəd/
people who have retreated
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
seamennounUS /ˈsiːmən/
plural of “seaman” — a man who serves as a sailor
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
transport commercially
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
sinkingnounUS /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
a descent as through liquid (especially through water)
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
sullenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌlən/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
tiersnounUS /tiːrz/
plural of “tier” — a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
vengeancenounUS /ˈvendʒəns/
the act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
veterannounUS /ˈvetərən/
a serviceman who has seen considerable active service
From this reading The sailors retreated at the order of their commander; but the elated veteran had continued to pace the deck for many minutes before stronger interests diverted the angry glances of the seamen to other objects.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading On the other hand, the ship first seen drew so nigh as to render the glass no longer necessary in watching her movements.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
which person or people
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
in the company of; together with
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person
From this reading “Fall back! back with ye, fellows!” cried Griffith, fiercely, to the men who were gathering around the colonel, with looks of sullen vengeance.
but in spite of that
From this reading Notwithstanding the ship of the line was slowly sinking beneath the distant waves, and in less than an hour from the time she had fired the broadside, no more than one of her three tiers of guns was visible from the deck of the frigate, she yet presented an irresistible obstacle against retreat to the south.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “If a man of you dare approach him, he shall be cast into the sea.”
