used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
abandonedadjectiveUS /əˈbændənd/
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
aftadverbUS /æft/
at or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
(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 Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
in addition
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
a quantity of money
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
aspirationsnounUS /ˌæspərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “aspiration” — a will to succeed
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
attackedverbUS /əˈtækt/
past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
averred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
awnings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
blindnessnounUS /ˈblaɪndnəs/
the state of being blind or lacking sight
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
blurredadjectiveUS /blɜːrd/
indistinct or hazy in outline
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
BombaynounUS /bɑːmˈbeɪ/
a city in western India just off the coast of the Arabian Sea; India's 2nd largest city (after Calcutta); has the only natural deep-water harbor in western India
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
clearnessnounUS /ˈklɪrnəs/
free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
a state at a particular time
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
decreasingadjectiveUS /dɪˈkriːsɪŋ/
becoming less or smaller
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
distinguishverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
mark as different
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
the male ruler of an empire
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
to come or go into
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
divisible by two
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
Fagg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
more distant in especially space or time
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
in a gradual manner
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
harbourverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
hotteradjectiveUS /ˈhɑːtər/
comparative of “hot” — used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
ten 10s
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
increasingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkriːsɪŋ/
becoming greater or larger
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
indistinctadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkt/
not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
logverbUS /lɔːɡ/
enter into a log, as on ships and planes
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
come into possession of
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
obtainingverbUS /əbˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
OVERBOARDadverbUS /ˈoʊvərbɔːrd/
to extremes
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
having a point
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
previouslyadverbUS /ˈpriːviəsli/
at an earlier time or formerly
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
progressedverbUS /prəˈɡrest/
past form of “progress” — develop in a positive way
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
with speed
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
refugenounUS /ˈrefjuːdʒ/
a safe place
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
regainingnounUS /rɪˈɡeɪnɪŋ/
getting something back again
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
SeychellesnounUS /ˈseɪʃelz/
a republic on the Seychelles islands; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1976
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
transport commercially
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
short-handedadjective
inadequate in number of workers or assistants etc.
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
not in physical motion
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
in the direction of
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
except if; if not
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
at the time that
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
in or at the place that
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
which person or people
From this reading But, even as this day was drawing towards its conclusion--a day hotter, it seemed to all on board, than any they had previously experienced, and when neither the awnings nor the breeze that came aft protected them sufficiently to allow of their being on deck, unless duty demanded that they should be there--a change was perceived to have taken place in the condition of one or two who had been attacked by blindness.
Wilks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading MAN OVERBOARD Another day had passed and the south wind still blew gently, neither increasing nor decreasing in force, so that the log showed that the _Emperor of the Moon_ had progressed between a hundred and fifty and two hundred miles farther north.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Farther north, as all said now, but not to Bombay, since they had abandoned all hope of reaching that port in their present short-handed condition, and without obtaining fresh assistance--but towards the Seychelles.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Mr. Fagg had declared that he was regaining his sight, and that, although he could not distinguish small objects with any amount of clearness, he was nevertheless able to see large things, such as the form of a man or woman, in a blurred, indistinct manner if he or she happened to enter his cabin; while Wilks averred that his sight was also returning rapidly to him.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading That was the harbour of refuge to which their thoughts and aspirations pointed at this time; the spot where, even though they should obtain nothing else, they would at least be in safety, and the one from which they could be taken off by some other ship if they were not able to find the means of working their own.
