Chapter IX · Dinner at the General’s

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

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

later than; following

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

an administrative unit of government

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

(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 But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

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

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

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

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

make certain of

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

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

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

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

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

in mental comfort; without stress

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

worn and broken down by hard use

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

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

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

relating to, or coming from, Europe and Asia

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

having a flat bottom

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

borne up by or suspended in a liquid

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

-ing form of “foul” — hit a foul ball

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

set up or found

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

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

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

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

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

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

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

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

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

set forth authoritatively as obligatory

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

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

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

come together

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

a medicinal liquid preparation intended for use in an atomizer

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

not any; not one

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

plural of “obstacle” — something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

and nothing more

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

in a manner arousing sympathy and compassion

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

plural of “peon” — a laborer who is obliged to do menial work

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

select carefully from a group

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

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

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

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

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

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

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

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

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

chosen in preference to another

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

transport commercially

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

a sandbank in a stretch of water that is visible at low tide

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

plural of “shoal” — a sandbank in a stretch of water that is visible at low tide

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

term of address for a man

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

in or at or to some place

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

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

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

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

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

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

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

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

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

-ing form of “tow” — drag behind

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

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

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

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

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

plural of “underling” — an assistant subject to the authority or control of another

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

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

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

an act of traveling by water

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

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

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading /As/ usual after the cool weather had begun, the river was beginning to go down, and it was no easy matter for the _Nebula_ to pick her way up-stream.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

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

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

at the time that

From this reading But when a great beast of a shoal was in one place when you went down the river, and on the return voyage you found it somewhere else quite different, where _were_ you?”

in or at the place that

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

which person or people

From this reading But despite all obstacles, progress was made somehow, and Brian, who had come down by sailing-boat to meet the steamer a few miles below its destination, was able to assure his relatives that they would get in comfortably in time for dinner.

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

From this reading A further handicap was imposed by the necessity of towing two or three large flat-bottomed boats--carrying the fortunes of the Eurasian and native clerks, peons and other underlings, whom Sir Harry had selected for Sahar from the derelict staff of the Qadirabad Agency,--since these displayed a positive genius in fouling the bank, the shoals, the frequent islands, floating tree-trunks, one another, the ship herself, and everything else possible and impossible.

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

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.

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

From this reading As her captain said pathetically, “If the sandbanks would only stay where they were, you’d know where _you_ were.