Chapter II

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

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

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

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

plural of “arrow” — a mark to indicate a direction or relation

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His parents' consent had been won and this was his great chance.

shining intensely

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

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

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

the handle of a broom

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

the act of intimidating a weaker person to make them do something

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading His parents' consent had been won and this was his great chance.

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

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

permission to do something

From this reading His parents' consent had been won and this was his great chance.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

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

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

the state of being tense and feeling pain

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

plural of “flight” — a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

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

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

living quarters consisting of a superstructure in the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

a man of refinement

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

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

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

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

From this reading His parents' consent had been won and this was his great chance.

vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

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

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

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

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

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

From this reading His parents' consent had been won and this was his great chance.

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

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

a relatively narrow strip of land (with water on both sides) connecting two larger land areas

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

moving slowly and gently

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

used to form the superlative

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

-ing form of “near” — move towards

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading His parents' consent had been won and this was his great chance.

usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

planks collectively; a quantity of planks

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

a formal ball held for a school class toward the end of the academic year

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

become destroyed by water, air, or a corrosive such as an acid

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

an ancient city on the Ebro River in northeastern Spain; formerly the capital of Aragon

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

the act of cleaning a surface by rubbing it with a brush and soap and water

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

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

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

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

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

quiet, dark, or concealed

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

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

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

being a smooth continuous motion

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

doubtful or suspect

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

(of persons) befitting a warrior

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

make steady

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

plural of “swell” — the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

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

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading His parents' consent had been won and this was his great chance.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

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

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

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

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator)

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

plural of “usage” — the act of using

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

precisely as stated

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

forceful exertion

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

German conductor (1876-1962)

From this reading The rough company and bullying usages of the forecastle had not dismayed Walter Goodwin, who forgot discomfort in the thought that, day by day, he was nearing the magical Isthmus.

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

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

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

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

in or at the place that

From this reading THE PARROT AND THE BROOMSTICK The steamer _Saragossa_ was sliding across a tropic sea where the trade-wind blew cool and steady to temper the blazing sun, the flying-fish skittered from the lazy swells like flights of silver arrows, and the stars by night seemed very bright and near.

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

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

a Caucasian

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.

which person or people

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the shady side of the promenade deck a boyish-looking member of the crew was scrubbing rust spots from the planking with a certain gusto which distinguished him from the so-called seamen, who were a sorry lot.

the basic unit of money in South Korea

From this reading His parents' consent had been won and this was his great chance.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading By far the most interesting passenger was the soldierly gentleman with the close-cropped white hair, the quiet voice, and pleasant smile who walked the deck with the vigor of youth.