used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
(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 A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
react verbally
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
any thing at all
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
BakernounUS /ˈbeɪkər/
someone who bakes commercially
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
bondsnounUS /bɑːndz/
plural of “bond” — an electrical force linking atoms
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
Britishers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
clutchedverbUS /klʌtʃt/
past form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
plural of “comrade” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
countedverbUS /ˈkaʊntɪd/
past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
cowardlyadjectiveUS /ˈkaʊərdli/
lacking courage; ignobly timid and faint-hearted
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
cruellyadverbUS /ˈkruːli/
excessively
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
demanding attention
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
curnounUS /kɜːr/
an inferior dog or one of mixed breed
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
deliververbUS /dɪˈlɪvər/
deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
deliveringverbUS /dɪˈlɪvərɪŋ/
-ing form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
having the place or position changed
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
empty-handedadjectiveUS /ˈemptiˈhændɪd/
having acquired or gained nothing
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
firmly closed or secured
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
start firing a weapon
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
gagverbUS /ɡæɡ/
prevent from speaking out
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
gainingverbUS /ˈɡeɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
gripnounUS /ɡrɪp/
the act of grasping
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
cause to move by striking
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
humblyadverbUS /ˈhʌmbli/
in a humble manner
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
Jeremy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
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 A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
lobster-backs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
engage in
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
mauledverbUS /mɔːld/
past form of “maul” — split (wood) with a maul and wedges
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
the force of workers available
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
a particular point in time
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
needlessadjectiveUS /ˈniːdləs/
unnecessary and unwarranted
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
not any; not one
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
outrightadverbUS /ˈaʊˈtraɪt/
without restrictions or stipulations or further payments
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
resistedverbUS /rɪˈzɪstɪd/
past form of “resist” — elude, especially in a baffling way
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
ruinsnounUS /ˈruːənz/
plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
Identical; not different.
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
except for; apart from
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
express in words
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
securelyadverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrli/
in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
in a serious manner
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
SkinnyadjectiveUS /ˈskɪni/
being very thin
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
squirmverbUS /skwɜːrm/
to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
be standing; be upright
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
timbersnounUS /ˈtɪmbərz/
plural of “timber” — the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
UntilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
vigorouslyadverbUS /ˈvɪɡərəsli/
with vigor; in a vigorous manner
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
whatsoeveradjectiveUS /ˌwʌtsoʊˈevər/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The one question was, what we should do, and that, I realized, remained for me to answer since I called myself the captain of the Minute Boys; but for the life of me I could hit upon no plan whatsoever.
at the time that
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading As a matter of course I understood, as did we all, that if so be the Britishers set fire to the ruins while we were among the timbers, then there was no help for us save we came out to struggle empty-handed against armed men, which would be much the same as delivering ourselves over as prisoners.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A WARM PLACE It is needless for me to say my comrades had heard the same which came to my ears, and I had good proof that at least one of them was seriously disturbed in mind, when Jeremy clutched me by the shoulder so suddenly and with such a grip that it was all I could do to prevent myself from crying outright.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading To make any attempt at a battle with these lobster-backs was worse than useless; we had far better walk out humbly and deliver ourselves into their hands, than stand the chance of being mauled about cruelly without hope of gaining anything whatsoever in the fight.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Until this moment Skinny Baker had made no attempt at throwing out the gag which was fastened so securely, nor had he resisted me in any way; but now it was that he began to squirm about vigorously, as if using all his strength in an effort to free himself from the bonds, for the cowardly cur began to understand there was good chance he would be burned to death by those same lobster-backs whom he counted as his friends.
