Chapter XVII · Becalmed

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

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

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

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

have

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

(plural) an optical instrument designed for simultaneous use by both eyes

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

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

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

fearless and daring

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

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

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

a Celtic language spoken in Cornwall

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

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

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

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

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading “They’ve too good a pair of heels for us,” he remarked, when he regained the deck.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

divisible by two

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

a wide scope

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

the act of someone who fishes as a diversion

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “They’ve too good a pair of heels for us,” he remarked, when he regained the deck.

(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading “They’ve too good a pair of heels for us,” he remarked, when he regained the deck.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation

From this reading “They’ve too good a pair of heels for us,” he remarked, when he regained the deck.

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

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

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

From this reading The _Merlin_ was no longer in sight.

small North American falcon

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

small in range or scope

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

for more time

From this reading The _Merlin_ was no longer in sight.

(Arthurian legend) the magician who acted as King Arthur's advisor

From this reading The _Merlin_ was no longer in sight.

equally distant from the extremes

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

plural of “needle” — the leaf of a conifer

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

not any; not one

From this reading The _Merlin_ was no longer in sight.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

go across or through

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

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

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

past form of “regain” — get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading “They’ve too good a pair of heels for us,” he remarked, when he regained the deck.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading “They’ve too good a pair of heels for us,” he remarked, when he regained the deck.

(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

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

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

any process serving to define the shape of something

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

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

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading The _Merlin_ was no longer in sight.

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

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

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

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

a large and usually triangular headsail; carried by a yacht as a headsail when running before the wind

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading He could see the brown sails of half a dozen fishing boats and the smoke of a steamer, but of the Cornish Sea Scouts’ craft not a sign.

an intense or violent exertion

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

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

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

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

From this reading “They’ve too good a pair of heels for us,” he remarked, when he regained the deck.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

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

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading “They’ve too good a pair of heels for us,” he remarked, when he regained the deck.

a sail (or either of a pair of sails) immediately above the lowermost sail of a mast and supported by a topmast

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

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

From this reading “They’ve too good a pair of heels for us,” he remarked, when he regained the deck.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

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

From this reading The _Merlin_ was no longer in sight.

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 With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

at the time that

From this reading “They’ve too good a pair of heels for us,” he remarked, when he regained the deck.

in or at the place that

From this reading In vain Brandon, with a pair of binoculars, swung round his neck, went aloft, where, perched on the cross-trees, he brought his glasses to bear upon a limited expanse of horizon that showed between the straining canvas.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With all sail set, even the topsail and spinnaker, the _Kestrel_ tore through the water, shaping a course to pass one mile to the south’ard of Hengistbury Head, a bold promontory situated roughly midway between Old Harry and the Needles.