Chapter IV

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

From this reading A MIDNIGHT THEFT.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

(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 The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

side by side

From this reading The hush of expectation lay upon the little vessel as she crept along with a noise of rippling water refreshingly rising from alongside.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

uttered without voice

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

make calm or still

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Captain Dopping held his watch to the moon.

rid of obstructions

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading The hush of expectation lay upon the little vessel as she crept along with a noise of rippling water refreshingly rising from alongside.

water that has condensed on a cool surface overnight from water vapor in the air

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

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

From this reading Captain Dopping held his watch to the moon.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

belief about (or mental picture of) the future

From this reading The hush of expectation lay upon the little vessel as she crept along with a noise of rippling water refreshingly rising from alongside.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

past form of “freshen” — make (to feel) fresh

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Captain Dopping held his watch to the moon.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

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

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

become quiet or still; fall silent

From this reading The hush of expectation lay upon the little vessel as she crept along with a noise of rippling water refreshingly rising from alongside.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

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

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

-ing form of “loom” — come into view indistinctly, often threateningly

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading A MIDNIGHT THEFT.

wetness caused by water

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

the light of the Moon

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading The hush of expectation lay upon the little vessel as she crept along with a noise of rippling water refreshingly rising from alongside.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

according to the clock

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

above and across; more than

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

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

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

extremely and sharply

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

plural of “plank” — a stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

in a manner that relieves fatigue and restores vitality

From this reading The hush of expectation lay upon the little vessel as she crept along with a noise of rippling water refreshingly rising from alongside.

a small wave on the surface of a liquid

From this reading The hush of expectation lay upon the little vessel as she crept along with a noise of rippling water refreshingly rising from alongside.

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

From this reading The hush of expectation lay upon the little vessel as she crept along with a noise of rippling water refreshingly rising from alongside.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The hush of expectation lay upon the little vessel as she crept along with a noise of rippling water refreshingly rising from alongside.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

with low volume

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

toward the south

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

past form of “sparkle” — reflect brightly

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

past form of “tarnish” — make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

the act of taking something from someone unlawfully

From this reading A MIDNIGHT THEFT.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

having passed out of existence

From this reading The mass of clouds in the west had vanished; all was clear heaven from the sea line there to the looming shadow of the land over our bow; the moon rode high, small and piercingly clear; the canvas shone like ice in the light; stars of diamond-like brilliance sparkled in the moisture along the rail; and every man's shadow lay at his feet upon the pearl-colored planks, as though drawn in Indian ink there.

a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading The hush of expectation lay upon the little vessel as she crept along with a noise of rippling water refreshingly rising from alongside.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

look attentively

From this reading Captain Dopping held his watch to the moon.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

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

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It fell a stark calm at ten o'clock, and then I believed that there could be nothing for it but to bring up--that is, to let go the anchor; but half an hour later the moonlight upon the water--for by this time the moon had floated southward--was tarnished by a little air of wind from the south and west; it breathed, wet with dew, like a sigh into the schooner's canvas, then softly freshened into a small summer night-wind.