used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
adoptedadjectiveUS /əˈdɑːptɪd/
acquired as your own by free choice
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
Bellevite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
exhale hard
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
BreakernounUS /ˈbreɪkər/
a quarry worker who splits off blocks of stone
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
channelnounUS /ˈtʃænəl/
a path over which electrical signals can pass
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
ChristienounUS /ˈkrɪsti/
prolific English writer of detective stories (1890-1976)
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
a state at a particular time
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
confidentadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnfədənt/
having or marked by confidence or assurance
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
without doubt; certainly
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
emergencynounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
escapingverbUS /ɪˈskeɪpɪŋ/
-ing form of “escape” — run away from confinement
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
formidableadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmədəbəl/
extremely impressive in strength or excellence
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
GainesverbUS /ɡeɪnz/
third-person singular of “gain” — obtain
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
INTOprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
keelnounUS /kiːl/
a projection or ridge that suggests a keel
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
MOBILEadjectiveUS /ˈmoʊbəl/
migratory
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
MorgannounUS /ˈmɔːrɡən/
United States anthropologist who studied the Seneca (1818-1881)
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
not any; not one
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
go across or through
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
Passford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
PercynounUS /ˈpɜːrsi/
United States writer whose novels explored human alienation (1916-1990)
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
policynounUS /ˈpɑːləsi/
a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
probableadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːbəbəl/
likely but not certain to be or become true or real
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
proposeverbUS /prəˈpoʊz/
make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
shotsnounUS /ʃɑːts/
plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
a male human offspring
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
a special situation
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
hard to endure
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
tugverbUS /tʌɡ/
pull hard
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He was not as confident as Captain Passford and his son were that the plan adopted would be an entire success, with the assistance of Percy; but there could be no harm in trying it.
in or at the place that
From this reading As the Bellevite approached the channel, where there could not be more than a foot of water under her keel, Christie came on deck, followed by Percy.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE ATTEMPT TO PASS INTO MOBILE BAY The tug appeared to be one of the craft which had been hastily prepared for service, and she did not look like a formidable vessel.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Captain Breaker was sure he could blow her out of the water with his heavy guns, on an emergency; but this would be bad policy, and he did not propose to do any thing of this kind.
but in spite of that
From this reading He intended to pass as near Fort Gaines as possible, for it was not probable that the works were yet in the best condition; and two miles from Fort Morgan, which was doubtless much stronger, would afford a better chance of escaping any shots fired from it.
