Chapter XXIX · Chapter 29

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

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

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

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

-ing form of “beckon” — signal with the hands or nod

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

confined by bonds

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

a tight-fitting headdress

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

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

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

precise; explicit and clearly defined

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

one or the other of two

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

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

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

the act of giving

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

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

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

in an attractively handsome manner

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

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

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

(Greek mythology) a mythical Trojan who was killed by Achilles during the Trojan War

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

of great significance or value

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

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

From this reading IN OLD ST.

go against, as of rules and laws

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

past form of “jerk” — pull, or move with a sudden movement

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

an intermediate platform in a staircase

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

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

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

a major North American river and the chief river of the United States; rises in northern Minnesota and flows southward into the Gulf of Mexico

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

not any; not one

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading IN OLD ST.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

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

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

cut with a saw

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

inflected form of “snub” — refuse to acknowledge

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

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

From this reading IN OLD ST.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

having come into contact

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

at the time that

From this reading He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

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

From this reading GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St. Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

which person or people

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.