used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
in addition
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
react verbally
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
assets available for use in the production of further assets
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
consequencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwensəz/
plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
desirousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəs/
having or expressing desire for something
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
DuffnounUS /dʌf/
a stiff flour pudding steamed or boiled usually and containing e.g. currants and raisins and citron
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
Duff's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
forecastlenoun
living quarters consisting of a superstructure in the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
set up or found
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
frightfuladjectiveUS /ˈfraɪtfəl/
provoking horror
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
a message received and understood
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/
a search for knowledge
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
INTRODUCINGverbUS /ˌɪntrəˈduːsɪŋ/
-ing form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
irrevocableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈrevəkəbəl/
incapable of being retracted or revoked
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
KITEnounUS /kaɪt/
a bank check that has been fraudulently altered to increase its face value
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
a boy or man
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
easily agitated
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
not any; not one
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
obtainingverbUS /əbˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
and nothing more
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
outburstsnounUS /ˈaʊtbɜːrsts/
plural of “outburst” — an unrestrained expression of emotion
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
Phil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
having a point
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
established beyond doubt
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
on the contrary
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
renderverbUS /ˈrendər/
cause to become
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
resultedverbUS /rɪˈzʌltɪd/
past form of “result” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
ROBERSON
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
express in words
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
schooner's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
seamannounUS /ˈsiːmən/
a man who serves as a sailor
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
Seamew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
SergenounUS /sɜːrdʒ/
a twilled woolen fabric
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
shippingnounUS /ˈʃɪpɪŋ/
the commercial enterprise of moving goods and materials
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading Having had no experience in shipping as one of the crew of a vessel, Phil did not realize how fully he had done this; but he had seen enough of Captain Duff’s peculiar manner to render him rather nervous now that the irrevocable step was taken.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
at the time that
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
whereaboutsnounUS /ˈwerəbaʊts/
the general location where something is
From this reading INTRODUCING “OLD KITE ROBERSON” Captain Duff was not visible when Phil reached the _Seamew_; but the mate received him, and in answer to his inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend, pointed to the forecastle.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Serge could only say that while the subject of their conversation was almost as much of a mystery to him as to Phil, he had at least proved himself a capital seaman.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
belonging to which person
From this reading There our lad found Serge, from whom he was desirous of obtaining some information concerning the schooner’s master, in whose power he had so deliberately placed himself.
someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading Also that while his frequent outbursts of temper were frightful to witness, no serious consequences had thus far resulted from them.
