used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
anchornounUS /ˈæŋkər/
a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
being joined in close association
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
blocknounUS /blɑːk/
a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
boltedverbUS /ˈboʊltəd/
past form of “bolt” — move or jump suddenly
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
brought-to
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
cargonounUS /ˈkɑːrɡoʊ/
goods carried by a large vehicle
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
derricknounUS /ˈderɪk/
a framework erected over an oil well to allow drill tubes to be raised and lowered
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
docknounUS /dɑːk/
an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
increase twofold
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
five-inch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
forecastlenoun
living quarters consisting of a superstructure in the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
furledadjective
rolled up and secured
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
the act of departing
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading THE LAND OF LIBERTY.
lashedverbUS /læʃt/
past form of “lash” — beat severely with a whip or rod
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading THE LAND OF LIBERTY.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
main-hatch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE LAND OF LIBERTY.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
protrudingadjectiveUS /proʊˈtruːdɪŋ/
extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
revolvedadjectiveUS /riˈvɑːlvd/
turned in a circle around an axis
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
riggedadjectiveUS /rɪɡd/
fitted or equipped with necessary rigging (sails and shrouds and stays etc)
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
roadsteadnoun
a partly sheltered anchorage
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
a strong line
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
seamanlikeadjective
characteristic of or befitting a seaman; indicating competent seamanship
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
sparverbUS /spɑːr/
furnish with spars
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
starboardnounUS /ˈstɑːrbərd/
the right side of a ship or aircraft to someone who is aboard and facing the bow or nose
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
dependable
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE LAND OF LIBERTY.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
tubnounUS /tʌb/
a relatively large open container that you fill with water and use to wash the body
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
twenty-fiveadjectiveUS /ˈtwentifaɪv/
being five more than twenty
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We came to an anchor near the middle of the roadstead in seamanlike fashion, every sail being furled before the anchor was dropped, and the old tub brought-to as if going into dock.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Then, as it was understood that our cargo was ready for us, preparations were immediately made for its reception.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
winchnounUS /wɪntʃ/
lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds
From this reading A derrick was rigged over the main-hatch with a double chain purchase attached, and a powerful winch bolted to the deck, round which the chain revolved.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A stout spar was rigged across the forecastle, protruding twenty-five feet on the starboard side, with a big block lashed to its end through which ran a five-inch rope.
