Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

(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 They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

surprising greatly

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

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

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

an onerous or difficult concern

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

third-person singular of “burrow” — move through by or as by digging

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

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

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

past form of “consist” — originate

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

the first light of day

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

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

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

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

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

the ratio of live births in an area to the population of that area; expressed per 1000 population per year

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

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

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

an independent state within the British Commonwealth located on the Fiji Islands

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

a person of German nationality

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

death of a person

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

a former British gold coin worth 21 shillings

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

an offensive term for the offspring of parents of different racial groups or cultures

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

a state in the United States in the central Pacific on the Hawaiian Islands

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

ten 10s

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

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

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

and nothing more

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

for more time

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

the islands in the southwestern part of Oceania

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

filled or abounding with fog or mist

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

characteristic of or capable of or having a tendency toward killing another human being

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

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

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

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

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

being ten more than eighty

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

a numbered list

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

and nothing more

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

cut or make a way through

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

a meeting planned at a certain time and place

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

a large beer glass

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

transport commercially

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

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

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

A legendary king renowned for his wisdom and fabulous hidden mines.

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

to, toward, or in the southeast

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

to, toward, or in the southwest

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

not in physical motion

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

the practice of measuring angles and distances on the ground so that they can be accurately plotted on a map

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

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

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

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

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

a large number or amount

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

buying or selling securities or commodities

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.

past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading They nearly all lived at the south-west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

a Caucasian

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

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

From this reading C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white-painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely-wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south-east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group--the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

which person or people

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife--who was, of course, a white woman--a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half-caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex-whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

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

From this reading Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour-recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call.