Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

a person who enjoys taking risks

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

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

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

anew

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

(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 MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

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

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

eagerly desirous

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

to gain with effort

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

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

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

at or to or toward the back or rear

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

only a very short time before

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

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

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

object formed by a mold

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

lively and spirited

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

(plural) the deepest and most remote part

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

mark as different

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

extending or moving from a higher to a lower place

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

-ing form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

opinion or judgment

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

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

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

plural of “funnel” — a conical shape with a wider and a narrower opening at the two ends

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

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

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

highest in quality

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

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

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

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

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

urged or forced to action through moral pressure

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

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

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

an intermediate platform in a staircase

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

held up in the air

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

the force of workers available

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

not any; not one

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

forward in time or order or degree

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

above and across; more than

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

breathing heavily (as after exertion)

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

flowing profusely

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

move hurridly

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

the principal law-enforcement officer in a county

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

fall or descend to a lower place or level

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

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

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

travel by means of steam power

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

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

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

not in physical motion

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

possessing sweep

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

moving very fast

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

in a swift manner

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

the act of swimming

From this reading Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

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

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

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

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

in the direction of

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading Great volumes of black smoke swept forth from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of steam.

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

From this reading The high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank, and disappearing forward.

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 I came panting up to breathe, my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing.

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

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

in the company of; together with

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.

but in spite of that

From this reading MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first effort the greatest possible distance.