Chapter IV

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

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading There was no question about it.

aimlessly drifting

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

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

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

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

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

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

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

surprising greatly

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

official routes of communication

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

large migratory shorebirds of the sandpiper family; closely related to woodcocks but having a down-curved bill

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

someone who cuts or carves stone

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

changed for (replaced by) something different

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

plural of “greeting” — (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

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

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

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

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

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

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There was no question about it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

a small worthless amount

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

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

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

-ing form of “near” — move towards

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

not any; not one

From this reading There was no question about it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON SECRET SERVICE.

(mathematics) a symbol or function representing a mathematical operation

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

owed as a debt

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading There was no question about it.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

made less in size or amount or degree

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

the entire amount of income before any deductions are made

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading ON SECRET SERVICE.

resembling a serpent in form

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading ON SECRET SERVICE.

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

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

a serious collision (especially of motor vehicles)

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

move hurridly

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

not in physical motion

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.

suffering from overexposure to direct sunlight

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

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

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was no question about it.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

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

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

in the direction of

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

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

From this reading There was no question about it.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

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

From this reading The greetings between his late commander and himself were, as might be imagined, cordial, but, owing to the circumstances under which they were exchanged, somewhat hurried.

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

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

marked by repeated turns and bends

From this reading Astonishing as it appeared, the bluff, sunburned man in the motor boat which was winding its way toward the _Curlew_, in serpentine fashion, among the tortuous channels, was Captain Simms, the commander of the revenue cutter on which Jack Ready had served as "ice-patrol" operator.

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

From this reading "So you've been in a smash-up," cried the captain, as he reduced speed on nearing the stern of the _Curlew_, which was still afloat.