adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
accountedverbUS /əˈkaʊntɪd/
past form of “account” — be the sole or primary factor in the existence, acquisition, supply, or disposal of something
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
afloatadjectiveUS /əˈfloʊt/
aimlessly drifting
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
AmericannounUS /əˈmerəkən/
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
Ann
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
armedadjectiveUS /ɑːrmd/
(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
armsnounUS /ɑːrmz/
weapons considered collectively
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
BaltimorenounUS /ˈbɔːltəmɔːr/
the largest city in Maryland; a major seaport and industrial center
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
blockadenounUS /ˌblɑːˈkeɪd/
a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
bornadjectiveUS /bɔːrn/
brought into existence
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
BostonnounUS /ˈbɑːstən/
state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
bredverbUS /bred/
inflected form of “breed” — call forth
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
BritishnounUS /ˈbrɪtɪʃ/
the people of Great Britain
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
CapenounUS /keɪp/
a strip of land projecting into a body of water
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
CharlestonnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrlstən/
state capital of West Virginia in the central part of the state on the Kanawha river
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
commercenounUS /ˈkɑːmərs/
transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
creditnounUS /ˈkredət/
approval
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
crewsnounUS /kruːz/
plural of “crew” — the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
desertedadjectiveUS /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
dueadjectiveUS /duː/
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
enlistedverbUS /ˌenˈlɪstɪd/
past form of “enlist” — join the military
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
enrolledverbUS /enˈroʊld/
inflected form of “enrol” — register formally as a participant or member
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
famenounUS /feɪm/
the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
fifty-eightadjective
being eight more than fifty
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
filledadjectiveUS /fɪld/
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
fishermennounUS /ˈfɪʃərmɪn/
plural of “fisherman” — someone whose occupation is catching fish
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
foremostadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmoʊst/
ranking above all others
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
fournounUS /fɔːr/
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
freedomnounUS /ˈfriːdəm/
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
graynounUS /ɡreɪ/
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
halfadjectiveUS /hæf/
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
harborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
horizonnounUS /hərˈaɪzən/
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
hundrednounUS /ˈhʌndrəd/
ten 10s
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
idleadjectiveUS /ˈaɪdəl/
not in action or at work
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
impetuousadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpetʃwəs/
characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
knewverbUS /nuː/
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
marinersnounUS /ˈmerənərz/
plural of “mariner” — a man who serves as a sailor
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
merchantmennounUS /ˈmɜːrtʃəntmɪn/
plural of “merchantman” — a cargo ship
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
nearbyadjectiveUS /ˈnɪrˈbaɪ/
close at hand
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
numbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
numbersnounUS /ˈnʌmbərz/
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
occupationnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
partlyadverbUS /ˈpɑːrtli/
to some extent; in some degree; not wholly
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
pastnounUS /pæst/
the time that has elapsed
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
PhiladelphianounUS /ˌfɪləˈdelfiə/
the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
pleasantadjectiveUS /ˈplezənt/
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
populationnounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən/
the people who inhabit a territory or state
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
portnounUS /pɔːrt/
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
portsnounUS /pɔːrts/
plural of “port” — a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
preeminencenounUS /priˈemənəns/
high status importance owing to marked superiority
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
privateering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
prizesnounUS /ˈpraɪzəz/
plural of “prize” — something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
RevolutionnounUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃən/
a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
rushverbUS /rʌʃ/
move hurridly
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
sailormen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
SalemnounUS /ˈseɪləm/
capital of the state of Oregon in the northwestern part of the state on the Willamette River
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
scanverbUS /skæn/
examine minutely or intensely
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
seanounUS /siː/
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
seafaringnoun
the work of a sailor
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
sentnounUS /sent/
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
shipsnounUS /ʃɪps/
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
sizesnounUS /ˈsaɪzəz/
plural of “size” — the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
snuffedverbUS /snʌft/
past form of “snuff” — sniff or smell inquiringly
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
splendidadjectiveUS /ˈsplendɪd/
having great beauty and splendor
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
topsails
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
townnounUS /taʊn/
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
tradenounUS /treɪd/
the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
uniqueadjectiveUS /juːˈniːk/
radically distinctive and without equal
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
vesselsnounUS /ˈvesəlz/
plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Salem was the foremost privateering port of the Revolution, and from this pleasant harbor, long since deserted by ships and sailormen, there filled away past Cape Ann one hundred and fifty-eight vessels of all sizes to scan the horizon for British topsails.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This preeminence was due partly to freedom from a close blockade and partly to a seafaring population which was born and bred to its trade and knew no other.
wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading They accounted for four hundred prizes, or half the whole number to the credit of American arms afloat.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading Besides the crews of Salem merchantmen, privateering enlisted the idle fishermen of ports nearby and the mariners of Boston whose commerce had been snuffed out by the British occupation.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston sent some splendid armed ships to sea but not with the impetuous rush nor in anything like the numbers enrolled by this gray old town whose fame was unique.
