Chapter X

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

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

(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 A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

any thing at all

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

a covered passageway with shops and stalls on either side

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

plural of “arrow” — a mark to indicate a direction or relation

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

the chief city of ancient Mesopotamia and capital of the ancient kingdom of Babylonia

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

people who are frustrated and perplexed

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

plural of “barge” — a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

past form of “blunder” — commit a faux pas or a fault or make a serious mistake

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

possessive form of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

being very thin

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

the capacity to understand a broad range of topics

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

an indefinite time in the future

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

plural of “cage” — an enclosure made or wire or metal bars in which birds or animals can be kept

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

plural of “castle” — a large and stately mansion

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

painful from having the skin abraded

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

closed or squeezed together tightly

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

of communal life sequestered from the world under religious vows

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

lacking grace in movement or posture

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

plural of “collier” — someone who works in a coal mine

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

having or capable of producing colors

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

a person serving a sentence in a jail or prison

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

travel across or pass over

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

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

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

one or the other of two

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

loaded to excess or impeded by a heavy load

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

marked by imagination, initiative, and readiness to undertake new projects

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

divisible by two

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

plural of “fade” — a golf shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

record in a public office or in a court of law

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

moving swiftly

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

set up or found

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

pleasant-smelling

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

physically weak

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

goods carried by a large vehicle

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

plural of “fret” — agitation resulting from active worry

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

past form of “frown” — look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

gases ejected from an engine as waste products

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

the taxonomic kingdom including yeast, molds, smuts, mushrooms, and toadstools; distinct from the green plants

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

plural of “gable” — the vertical triangular wall between the sloping ends of gable roof

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

a slight suggestion or vague understanding

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

a quick look

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

plural of “glimpse” — a quick look

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

plural of “glow” — an alert and refreshed state

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

a borough of Greater London on the Thames; zero degrees of longitude runs through Greenwich; time is measured relative to Greenwich Mean Time

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

grass mowed and cured for use as fodder

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

the quality of being humane

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

moving with great haste

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

United States architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

past form of “lighten” — make more cheerful

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

the boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

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

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

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

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

used in combination to denote the middle

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

equally distant from the extremes

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

easily agitated

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

characteristic of former times especially in Europe

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

above and across; more than

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

plural of “peasant” — a country person

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

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

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

with pride; in a proud manner

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

the act of punishing

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

a four-sided polygon

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

strange in an interesting or pleasing way

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

-ing form of “relieve” — provide physical relief, as from pain

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

plural of “rise” — a growth in strength or number or importance

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

possessive form of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

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

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

plural of “rub” — an unforeseen obstacle

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

plural of “shake” — building material used as siding or roofing

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

hit with a missile from a weapon

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

plural of “skeleton” — something reduced to its minimal form

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

plural of “spire” — a tall tower that forms the superstructure of a building (usually a church or temple) and that tapers to a point at the top

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

unable to find your way

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

act of expanding by lengthening or widening

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

the rays of the sun

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

the longest river in England; flows eastward through London to the North Sea

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

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

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

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

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

showing fear and lack of confidence

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

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

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

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

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

directed up

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

characterized by abundance of verdure

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

precisely as stated

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Then came the houses, straggling to the river’s edge--then a passing glimpse of the great strong-ribbed bony skeletons which by-and-by should breast the sea-waves proudly, men-o’-war--then the grand placid breadth of the river palace, with the light lying quiet in its green quadrangle, and glimpses of blue sky relieving its cloistered fair arcade.

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

From this reading Menie, hurrying on deck, was the first to see over the flat margin and glimmering reach the towers of Greenwich rising against its verdant hill.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

possessive form of “water” — binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

plural of “wharf” — a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

at the time that

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

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

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

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

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading A second night upon these untrusted waters found the travellers a little less nervous and timid, but the hearts of all lightened when the early sunshine showed them the green flat river-banks on either side of their cabin windows.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood

From this reading The sun was dancing on the busy Thames; wherries, which Menie’s eyes followed with wonder--so slight and frail they looked--shot across the river like so many flying arrows; great hay barges, heavy with their fragrant freight, and gay with brilliant colour, blundered up the stream midway, like peasants on a holiday; and high and dark, with their lines of little prison-windows, these great dismasted wooden castles frowned upon the sunny water, dreary cages of punishment and convict crime.

possessive form of “world” — everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

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

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.

distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)

From this reading Further on and further, and Jenny rubs her wide awake but very weary eyes, and shakes her clenched hand at the clumsy colliers and enterprising sloops which begin to shoot across “our boat’s” encumbered way; and now we strike into the very heart of a maze of ships, built in rank and file against the river’s side, and straying about here and there, even in the mid course of the stream: almost impossible, Menie, to catch anything but an uncertain glimpse of these quaint little wharfs, and strange small old-world gables, which grow like so many fungi at the water’s edge; but yonder glows the golden ball and cross--yonder rises the world-famed dome, guardian of the world’s chiefest city--and there it fumes and frets before us, stretching upward far away--far beyond the baffled horizon line, which fades into the distance, all chafed and broken with crowded spires and roofs--London--Babylon--great battle-ground of vexed humanity--the crisis scene of Menie Laurie’s fate.