Chapter IV

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

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

at or in the front

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

(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 When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

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

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

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

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

stern foremost or backward

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

a native or inhabitant of Australia

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

-ing form of “career” — move headlong at high speed

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka; has one of the largest harbors in the world; is located on the western coast of the island of Ceylon

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

given to or marked by the consumption of alcohol

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The men-o'-war took up positions far ahead on the horizon and on the flanks.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

plural of “flank” — the side of military or naval formation

From this reading The men-o'-war took up positions far ahead on the horizon and on the flanks.

group of aircraft operating together under the same ownership

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

moving swiftly

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

emitting or filled with bubbles as from carbonation or fermentation

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

ranking above all others

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

usually; as a rule

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

to a considerable degree

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading The men-o'-war took up positions far ahead on the horizon and on the flanks.

dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

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

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

doing arduous or unpleasant work

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

moving slowly and gently

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

plural of “mast” — a vertical spar for supporting sails

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

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

From this reading The men-o'-war took up positions far ahead on the horizon and on the flanks.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The men-o'-war took up positions far ahead on the horizon and on the flanks.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

plural of “position” — the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading The men-o'-war took up positions far ahead on the horizon and on the flanks.

located farthest to the rear

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

plural of “screw” — someone who guards prisoners

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

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

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

in constant agitation

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

transport commercially

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

casual or ephemeral as if taking place on board a ship

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

being a smooth continuous motion

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

past form of “station” — assign to a station

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

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

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

an island in the south Pacific; the most important island in French Polynesia; made famous by Robert Louis Stevenson and Paul Gauguin

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

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

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

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

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

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

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

in the direction of

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

plural of “transport” — something that serves as a means of transportation

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

soldiers collectively

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The men-o'-war took up positions far ahead on the horizon and on the flanks.

plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

be awake, be alert, be there

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading The men-o'-war took up positions far ahead on the horizon and on the flanks.

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

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading For some days the fleet swung heavily to a considerable swell from the west; and Mac watched, from the boat deck, the long line of careering masts ahead, sliding about like so many drunken matches, spray flying from the bows, and the foaming wake seething from the labouring screws of the ship ahead.

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

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

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

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

at the time that

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

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

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

belonging to which person

From this reading LAZY SHIPBOARD LIFE The _Tahiti_ fell in astern of the long line whose foremost ships were almost hull down, and left the Sound empty and deserted.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Towards evening a nor'-west course was set, which the troops generally accepted as sufficient evidence that Colombo would be the next port of call.

the largest island of Denmark and the site of Copenhagen

From this reading When all were at sea, they took station, the thirty Australian ships in three lines ahead, with the ten New Zealand transports in two lines astern, their leading ships stationed between the three rearmost vessels of the Australian line.