Chapter IV

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

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

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

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

on a ship, train, plane or other vehicle

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

later than; following

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

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

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

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

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

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

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

for the reason that

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

with bitterness; in a resentful manner

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

the two together, not just one

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

a native or inhabitant of Great Britain

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

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

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

an occurrence of something

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

past form of “complain” — express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

carry on a conversation

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

argue or speak in defense of

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

plural of “englishman” — a man who is a native or inhabitant of England

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

characteristic of or befitting a friend

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

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

From this reading GHOSTS.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

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

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

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

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

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

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

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

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

deeply or markedly affected or influenced

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

putting someone in prison or in jail as lawful punishment

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

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

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

a message received and understood

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

an occurrence of something

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

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

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

impressiveness in scale or proportion

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

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 These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

plural of “mariner” — a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

the force of workers available

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

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

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

not any; not one

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

on one occasion

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

skillful after much practice

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

move upward

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

plural of “rope” — a strong line

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

one of the twelve Apostles (first century)

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

bound by or as if by an oath

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

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

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

the one or ones belonging to them

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

in or at that place or location

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

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

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

in the direction of

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

up to a particular time

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

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

From this reading By waiting upon the prisoners, Simon Ropes and I gained certain information of greater or less value, although there was in the task nothing to give us pleasure.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

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

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

at the time that

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading As, for instance, these sailors whom we held prisoners complained quite as bitterly as had we, because the king’s ships impressed their men, and it really seemed as if the mariners of both countries had equal cause for complaint, although, as a matter of course, it was not as bad in the case of the Britisher to be impressed, in order that he might help defend his country, as it was for the American to be taken against his will into the service of a monarch whom he had no reason to love or respect.

disposed or inclined toward

From this reading These Britishers, weary of the long imprisonment, were more than willing to hold converse with us lads, and as we loitered in the dark hold, after having brought their food, we heard many and many a story of cruelty practised by the officers of the English navy against their own people, until it seemed as if the king’s subjects had quite as much reason to rise against his Majesty as had we in ’76.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When it had been announced that we were at war once more with the British king, I believed that all Englishmen were our sworn enemies, as I held it my duty to be theirs; but before we two lads had been four and twenty hours in our new station aboard the _America_, I came to understand that at least a certain portion of the Britishers were, in a degree, friendly toward us.