Chapter XXVI

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

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

the supreme commander of a fleet; ranks above a vice admiral and below a fleet admiral

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

matters of personal concern

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

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

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

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

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

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

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

the 2nd largest ocean; separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

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

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

plural of “coast” — the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

made or joined or united into one

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

reduced in size or pulled together

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

-ing form of “cruise” — drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

plural of “defect” — an imperfection in a bodily system

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

plural of “disaster” — a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

possessive form of “empire” — the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

a native or inhabitant of Europe

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

plural of “exception” — a deliberate act of omission

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

group of aircraft operating together under the same ownership

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

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

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

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

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

prudent

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

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

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

English materialist and political philosopher who advocated absolute sovereignty as the only kind of government that could resolve problems caused by the selfishness of human beings (1588-1679)

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

the lack of knowledge or education

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

transmit (knowledge or skills)

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

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

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

a message received and understood

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

the first letter of a word (especially a person's name)

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

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

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

of very great significance

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

used to form the superlative

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

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

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

of a yellow-green color similar to that of an unripe olive

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

a severe or trying experience

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

plural of “port” — a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

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

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

outfitting a ship again (by repairing or replacing parts)

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

plural of “route” — an established line of travel or access

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

Identical; not different.

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

occurring or operating at the same time

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

term of address for a man

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

filled with steam or emitting moisture in the form of vapor or mist

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

final or last in your life or progress

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

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

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

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

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

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

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

a written agreement between two states or sovereigns

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

(often followed by “of”) not aware

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

not anticipated

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

having no precedent; novel

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

plural of “warship” — a government ship that is available for waging war

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

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

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading A secret treaty had been contracted between three great European Powers, and so well were the terms of the understanding guarded that the British Foreign Office was absolutely unaware of the existence of any agreement between the countries concerned.

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

From this reading THE EMPIRE'S ORDEAL IN the course of a few hours the officers and crew of the _Olive Branch_ were in possession of the state of affairs so far as it was possible for their English agent to impart information.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

in or at the place that

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

during the time that

From this reading At the same time most of the British warships under the supreme command of Sir Protheroe Hobbes, Admiral of the Fleet, were cruising off the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, while through unforeseen defects, an unprecedented number were under refit at the home ports.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Simultaneous "autumn manoeuvres" had been the means of the foregathering of a powerful combined fleet in the Atlantic, where, though away from the recognised trade routes, it was within twelve hours' steaming distance of the south coast of England.

but in spite of that

From this reading Great things were taking place, events of momentous importance, yet with few exceptions the country was kept in ignorance of the initial disasters of the war.