used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
activitynounUS /ækˈtɪvəti/
any specific behavior
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
(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 The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "I thought it would be so," he muttered.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
canvasnounUS /ˈkænvəs/
a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
clappedverbUS /klæpt/
inflected form of “clap” — put quickly or forcibly
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
cutternounUS /ˈkʌtər/
someone who cuts or carves stone
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
wanted intensely
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
droppingadjectiveUS /ˈdrɑːpɪŋ/
coming down freely under the influence of gravity
From this reading "I knowed it when I seed the wind dropping.
easedadjectiveUS /iːzd/
(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
an opposing military force
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
Figgit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tom Figgit shook his head.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "I thought it would be so," he muttered.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Tom Figgit shook his head.
helmnounUS /helm/
steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Tom Figgit shook his head.
hoistedverbUS /ˈhɔɪstəd/
past form of “hoist” — raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I thought it would be so," he muttered.
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "I thought it would be so," he muttered.
knowedverbUS /noʊd/
past form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "I knowed it when I seed the wind dropping.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
main-sheet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
merrilyadverbUS /ˈmerəli/
in a joyous manner
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
past form of “mutter” — talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice
From this reading "I thought it would be so," he muttered.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
Polly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
seednounUS /siːd/
a small hard fruit
From this reading "I knowed it when I seed the wind dropping.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading Tom Figgit shook his head.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "I thought it would be so," he muttered.
move hurridly
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
square-sail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
square-topsail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
stitchnounUS /stɪtʃ/
a link or loop or knot made by an implement in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or sewing
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
required or under orders
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading "I thought it would be so," he muttered.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
male cat
From this reading Tom Figgit shook his head.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading The square-topsail was next hoisted, and every stitch of canvas she could carry was clapped on, and under the influence of the returning breeze, the "Pretty Polly" danced merrily over the waters, though not at all approaching to the speed her impatient crew desired.
at the time that
From this reading "I knowed it when I seed the wind dropping.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading And himself setting an example of activity, the helm being put up, the main-sheet was eased off, a large square-sail set, and the cutter, dead before the wind, was running away from her supposed enemy.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading "I thought it would be so," he muttered.
