Chapter XVII · How the Old Boatman Kept His Vow

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

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

to or in a foreign country

From this reading “Sure, me wits are abroad entirely.”

Having no one else present.

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

react verbally

From this reading No answer seemed forthcoming.

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

From this reading “Sure, me wits are abroad entirely.”

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

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

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

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

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

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

plural of “blossom” — reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

being moved or acted upon by moving air or vapor

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

plural of “boulder” — a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

object formed by a mold

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

plural of “castle” — a large and stately mansion

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

the state of being decayed or destroyed

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

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

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading “Sure, me wits are abroad entirely.”

divisible by two

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

at any time

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

the organ of sight

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

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

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

at ease in talking to others

From this reading No answer seemed forthcoming.

provided with a frame

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

made afraid

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

superlative of “grim” — not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

the native habitat or home of an animal or plant

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

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

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

a natural elevation (especially a rocky one that juts out into the sea)

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

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

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

situated away from an area's coast or border

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

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

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Sure, me wits are abroad entirely.”

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

completely unclothed

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

not any; not one

From this reading No answer seemed forthcoming.

plural of “nook” — a sheltered and secluded place

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

having existed from the beginning; in an earliest or original stage or state

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

filled with bewilderment

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

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

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading No answer seemed forthcoming.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

protected from danger or bad weather

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

inferior in size or quality

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading “Sure, me wits are abroad entirely.”

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

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading As far inland as the eye could stretch, even to the gray crown of Dunkelly, no sign of human habitation was to be seen.

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

From this reading Oh, what’s to be done _now?_” asked Kate, rising to her feet and casting a puzzled look about her.

in or at the place that

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

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

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The jutting headland of the Three Castles on which she stood--with the naked primeval cliffs; the roughly scattered boulders framed in scrub-furze too stunted and frightened in the presence of the sea to venture upon blossoms; the thin ashen-green grass blown flat to earth in the little sheltered nooks where alone its roots might live--presented the grimmest picture of desolation she had ever seen.

the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception

From this reading “Sure, me wits are abroad entirely.”