Chapter I

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

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

later than; following

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

a state in northwestern North America; the 49th state admitted to the union

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

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

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

react verbally

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

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

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

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

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

cause to be bored

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

call forth

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

plural of “chapter” — a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

without deviation

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

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

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

divisible by two

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

a degree on the Fahrenheit scale of temperature

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

extremely impressive in strength or excellence

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

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

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

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

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

highest in quality

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

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

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

past form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

inflected form of “imply” — express or state indirectly

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

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

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

past form of “infest” — invade in great numbers

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

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

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

plural of “mariner” — a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

the guidance of ships or airplanes from place to place

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

a native or inhabitant of Norway

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

plural of “opportunity” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

plural of “pirate” — someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

in a cheerful manner

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

almost; nearly

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

larceny by threat of violence

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

formal and explicit approval

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

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

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

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

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

someone who owns a ship or a share in a ship

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

deliver by singing

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

walk heavily

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

agitating a liquid with an implement

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

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

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

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

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

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

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

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

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

plural of “travel” — the act of going from one place to another

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

precisely as stated

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

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

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

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

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

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

From this reading We may be sure, however, that not long after navigation had become a recognised art the opportunities for robbery on the sea produced a breed of “water-rats,” who infested the ocean, and were the terror of the honest shipowner.

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

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.

during the time that

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

which person or people

From this reading _ILLUSTRATED._ Who was the first pirate is a question easier to ask than to answer.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

belonging to which person

From this reading That “hardy Norseman,” of whom we sing so pleasantly, was in very truth nothing better; while some of the great names among the mariners of the middle ages are, practically, those of pirates, whose occupation bore the stamp of semi-legality from royal sanction, directly given or implied.

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

From this reading _Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism._ F. WHYMPER, AUTHOR OF “TRAVELS IN ALASKA,” ETC.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading But the society of pirates, of which the following chapters will furnish some account, was, _sui generis_, the greatest on record, and was formidable even to the great Powers of Europe.