Chapter XXXI

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

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

anew

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading So the balloon was repaired, almost rebuilt indeed, and finally it ascended.

in addition

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

with anxiety or apprehension

From this reading The balloon rose well, and Antonio turned his telescope anxiously seaward.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

past form of “ascend” — travel up

From this reading So the balloon was repaired, almost rebuilt indeed, and finally it ascended.

an upward slope or grade (as in a road)

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

large tough nonrigid bag filled with gas or heated air

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

(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 “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

terminate

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

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

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

characterized by great determination

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

deeply involved especially in something complicated

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

at any time

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

experiencing or showing fear

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading So the balloon was repaired, almost rebuilt indeed, and finally it ascended.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

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

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

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

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

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

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

immediately past

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

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

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

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 Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

engage in

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

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

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

the force of workers available

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

on one occasion

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

rescue equipment consisting of a device that fills with air and retards your fall

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

plural of “precaution” — a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

inflected form of “rebuild” — build again

From this reading So the balloon was repaired, almost rebuilt indeed, and finally it ascended.

past form of “repair” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading So the balloon was repaired, almost rebuilt indeed, and finally it ascended.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading The balloon rose well, and Antonio turned his telescope anxiously seaward.

brown algae with rounded bladders forming dense floating masses in tropical Atlantic waters as in the Sargasso Sea

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

except for; apart from

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

a condition caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

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

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

(of winds) coming from the land

From this reading The balloon rose well, and Antonio turned his telescope anxiously seaward.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

resembling a serpent in form

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So the balloon was repaired, almost rebuilt indeed, and finally it ascended.

superlative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

a trained athlete who participates in swimming meets

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

crush together or collapse

From this reading The balloon rose well, and Antonio turned his telescope anxiously seaward.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

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

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading The balloon rose well, and Antonio turned his telescope anxiously seaward.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

(used informally) very small

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

a black garment (dress) worn by a widow as a sign of mourning

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

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

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

in or at the place that

From this reading “_WHERE CAN MEN DIE BETTER THAN IN FACING FEARFUL ODDS?_” Antonio determined to make one more, one last ascent in the balloon; for things were now getting desperate indeed, and once again it appeared as if scurvy was about to break out among his crew.

which person or people

From this reading Well indeed was it that he had taken these precautions, for a man falling into the Sargasso Sea, were he the strongest swimmer who ever shot arms out, could not save his life, if he once became entangled among the long snaky weeds.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading But this time the wise wee captain had provided himself with a parachute, and he wore also a lifebelt.