Chapter XI · Mr. Merl “at Fence”

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

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

(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 All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

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

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

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

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

widely separated especially in space

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

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

From this reading The rain, too, came down in torrents.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

an overwhelming number or amount

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The rain, too, came down in torrents.

be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

in a physically fierce manner

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

any material that fills a space or container

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

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

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

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

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

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

From this reading The rain, too, came down in torrents.

situated away from an area's coast or border

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

having a small elevation above the ground or horizon or sea level

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

engage in

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

blemished by injury or rough wear

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

the common people generally

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

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

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

a form of address for a man

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

plural of “project” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading The rain, too, came down in torrents.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

let for money

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

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

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

move by turning over or rotating

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

a loud low dull continuous noise

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

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

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

only a very short time before

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

the act of causing something to go (especially messages)

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

feeling self-importance

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

an abnormal protuberance or localized enlargement

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

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

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

move fast, noisily, and heavily

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

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

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The rain, too, came down in torrents.

plural of “torrent” — a heavy rain

From this reading The rain, too, came down in torrents.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

not encouraging or approving or pleasing

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

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

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

a state of commotion and noise and confusion

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

plural of “volley” — rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.

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

From this reading The low-lying clouds, which scarcely reached more than half-way up the mountain sides, seemed as if rent asunder at times, and from them came a deluge, filling all the watercourses, and swelling rivulets to the size of mighty torrents.

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

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

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

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

toward the west

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading All the projects which Mr. Scanlan had struck out for Merl's occupation on the following day were marred by the unfavorable weather.

a Caucasian

From this reading It blew fiercely from the westward, driving upon shore a tremendous sea, and sending white masses of drift and foam far inland.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading The unceasing roll of thunder, now near, now rumbling along in distant volleys, swelled the wild uproar, and helped to make up a scene of grand but desolate meaning.