Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

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

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

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

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

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

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

installation from which a military force initiates operations

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

plural of “brick” — rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The voices were low but distinct.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

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

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

a superstructure on the upper deck of a ship

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading The voices were low but distinct.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

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

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

start firing a weapon

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

the basis on which something is grounded

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

a large medieval vessel with a single deck propelled by sails and oars with guns at stern and prow; a complement of 1,000 men; used mainly in the Mediterranean for war and trading

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

the act of departing

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

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

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

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

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

a single distinct event

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

and nothing more

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

plural of “knot” — a tight cluster of people or things

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

the literary culture

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The voices were low but distinct.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

a muzzle-loading high-angle gun with a short barrel that fires shells at high elevations for a short range

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

absolutely essential

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

and nothing more

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

by chance

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

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

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

To recall to mind.

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

a strong line

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

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

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

plural of “splice” — a junction where two things (as paper or film or magnetic tape) have been joined together

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

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

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

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

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

(informal) small and of little importance

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

not important

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The voices were low but distinct.

an act of traveling by water

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.

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

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

look attentively

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

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

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading I was only a couple of feet from the corner, so of course I heard what was going on just out of sight.

at the time that

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the first dog watch one afternoon, when we were a few days out of port, I was sitting with my back against the forward deck-house, practising splices and knots with a bit of rope that I had saved for the purpose.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading I later had cause to remember each trivial incident as if it had been written in letters of fire.

but in spite of that

From this reading THE MAN OUTSIDE THE GALLEY Strange events happened in our first month at sea--events so subtle as perhaps to seem an unimportant part of this narrative of a strange voyage, yet really as necessary to the foundation of the story as the single bricks and the single dabs of mortar at the base of a tall chimney are necessary to the completed structure.