Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

lost in thought; showing preoccupation

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

(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 Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

exhale hard

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

for a short time

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

English romantic poet notorious for his rebellious and unconventional lifestyle (1788-1824)

From this reading BYRON.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

plural of “commander” — an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

characterized by great determination

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

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

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

moving swiftly

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

set up or found

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

according to habit or custom

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

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

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

and nothing more

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

remain present although waning or gradually dying

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

a vertical spar for supporting sails

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

connected with or belonging to or used in a navy

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

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

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

the time that has elapsed

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

by chance

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

the family name of a line of English kings that reigned from 1154 to 1485

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

make a logical or causal connection

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

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

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

term of address for a man

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

carry out

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

up to a particular time

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

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

From this reading Sir Gervaise Oakes' foot had not been on the deck of the Plantagenet five minutes, before a signal for all commanders was flying at that vessel's mast-head.

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

From this reading As it was just past the turn of the day, Bluewater determined to linger on the cliffs for several hours, or until it was time to think of his dinner.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

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

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

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

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."

-ing form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading Abstracted as his thoughts were habitually, his mind found occupation and pleasure in witnessing the evolutions that succeeded among the ships; some of which evolutions it may be well now briefly to relate.

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

From this reading "'Twas not without some reason, for the wind Increased at night, until it blew a gale; And though 'twas not much to a naval mind, Some landsmen would have look'd a little pale, For sailors are, in fact, a different kind; At sunset they began to take in sail, For the sky show'd it would come on to blow, And carry away, perhaps, a mast or so."