used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
arm'snounUS /ɑːrmz/
possessive form of “arm” — a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
automaton-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
blindingadjectiveUS /ˈblaɪndɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
bowsnounUS /baʊz/
plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
BrookesnounUS /brʊks/
plural of “brooke” — English lyric poet (1887-1915)
From this reading Not a word did Captain Brookes utter.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
captain'snounUS /ˈkæptənz/
possessive form of “captain” — an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
chaosnounUS /ˈkeɪɑːs/
a state of extreme confusion and disorder
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
conning-tower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
cruisernounUS /ˈkruːzər/
a car in which policemen cruise the streets; equipped with radiotelephonic communications to headquarters
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
cruisersnounUS /ˈkruːzərz/
plural of “cruiser” — a car in which policemen cruise the streets; equipped with radiotelephonic communications to headquarters
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
darkenedadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkənd/
(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
causing or capable of causing death
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Not a word did Captain Brookes utter.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
moving swiftly
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
gauntletnounUS /ˈɡɔːntlət/
to offer or accept a challenge
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
Gerald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
impassiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpæsɪv/
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
knife-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
leversnounUS /ˈlevərz/
plural of “lever” — a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
involving the mind or an intellectual process
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
nervenounUS /nɜːrv/
any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
offencenoun
the action of attacking an enemy
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
OliveadjectiveUS /ˈɑːləv/
of a yellow-green color similar to that of an unripe olive
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
ONE-SIDEDadjectiveUS /ˌwʌnˈsaɪdəd/
not reversible or capable of having either side out
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
win a victory over
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
quick-firing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
get something; come into possession of
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
showersnounUS /ˈʃaʊərz/
plural of “shower” — a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
spindriftnoun
spray blown up from the surface of the sea
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
steeredverbUS /stɪrd/
past form of “steer” — direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
in a swift manner
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
temptationnounUS /temˈteɪʃən/
something that seduces or has the quality to seduce
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
a special situation
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
THRASHINGnounUS /ˈθræʃɪŋ/
a sound defeat
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading Not a word did Captain Brookes utter.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
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 A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
withholdverbUS /wɪθˈhoʊld/
hold back; refuse to hand over or share
From this reading Could any human being run the gauntlet, receive the fire of four cruisers armed with modern quick-firing guns, and yet withhold the means of offence at his command?
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading Yet Gerald wondered, as he stood in the darkened conning-tower, whether the mental strain might prove too great, and whether the temptation to touch one of the deadly levers that were within arm's length might overcome the captain's iron nerve.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Not a word did Captain Brookes utter.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Every man was at his post, for the cruiser was cleared for action, although it was an understood thing that not a shot would be fired under any circumstances.
but in spite of that
From this reading A ONE-SIDED ENGAGEMENT THRASHING through the chaos of broken water on the bar, the spindrift flying in blinding showers over her knife-like bows, the _Olive Branch_ held swiftly yet steadily on her course, steered by her impassive, automaton-like captain.
