Chapter V · Dropping the Pilot

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

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

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

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

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

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

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

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

plural of “avenue” — a line of approach

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

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

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

third-person singular of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

especially a leaf of grass or the broad portion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

fearless and daring

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

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

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

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

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

traveling across

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

characterized by great determination

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

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

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

stubbornly unyielding

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

for a limitless time

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

plural of “ghost” — a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

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

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

not accessible to view

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

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

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

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

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

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

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

plural of “misgiving” — uneasiness about the fitness of an action

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

an uneasy psychological state

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

not any; not one

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

no person; not anyone

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

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

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

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

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

by chance

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

past form of “quicken” — move faster

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

filled with shade

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

in the near future

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

put, fix, force, or implant

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

large mostly Old World wading birds typically having white-and-black plumage

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

superlative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

trying something to find out about it

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

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

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

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

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

a special situation

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

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

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

travel across or pass over

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

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

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The fact that one’s footsteps are dogged eternally, that at every sudden corner or darkened by-way a hidden foe may lurk, is the kind of thing that is well calculated to test the strongest nerves.

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

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

which person or people

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Peggy was terrified; and though Jimmy did his best to show a bold front, his heart was filled with misgivings.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading Determined to get back to Hoboken as soon as possible, they quickened their footsteps, crossing the great avenues that traverse the entire length of this most wonderful of modern cities.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading If we put away ghosts and such like--in which nobody nowadays believes--there is, perhaps, no more unpleasant experience in the world than to be shadowed.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Stork, in his own words, was a man who would stick at nothing--a desperate blade who, no doubt, had already more than one crime upon his conscience.