used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
(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 A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
angelsnounUS /ˈeɪndʒəlz/
plural of “angel” — spiritual being attendant upon God
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
blocksnounUS /blɑːks/
plural of “block” — a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
boatswainnounUS /ˈboʊtsweɪn/
a petty officer on a merchant ship who controls the work of other seamen
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Haul down, trice up, my pretty boys."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
comprehendverbUS /ˌkɑːmpriˈhend/
get the meaning of something
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
creakingnounUS /ˈkriːkɪŋ/
a squeaking sound
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Haul down, trice up, my pretty boys."
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
flutteringnounUS /ˈflʌtərɪŋ/
the motion made by flapping up and down
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
forenounUS /fɔːr/
front part of a vessel or aircraft
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
HaulverbUS /hɔːl/
draw slowly or heavily
From this reading Haul down, trice up, my pretty boys."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
howlingnounUS /ˈhaʊlɪŋ/
a long loud emotional utterance
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
issuedverbUS /ˈɪʃuːd/
past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
ladsnounUS /lædz/
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
appealing to the emotions as well as the eye
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
matesnounUS /meɪts/
a pair of people who live together
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Haul down, trice up, my pretty boys."
quarter-deck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
rattlingnounUS /ˈrætlɪŋ/
a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
recurring again and again
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
sailsnounUS /seɪlz/
plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
sheetsnounUS /ʃiːts/
plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
shortenverbUS /ˈʃɔːrtən/
make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
utter in a loud voice; talk in a loud voice (usually denoting characteristic manner of speaking)
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
shrilladjectiveUS /ʃrɪl/
having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
stampverbUS /stæmp/
walk heavily
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
having a supporting base
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
studding-sails
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
Tom'snounUS /tɑːmz/
possessive form of “tom” — male cat
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
topgallantnoun
a sail set on a yard of a topgallant mast
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
triceverbUS /traɪs/
raise with a line
From this reading Haul down, trice up, my pretty boys."
unnautical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Haul down, trice up, my pretty boys."
communicated in words
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
in or at the place that
From this reading A few minutes afterwards, as I moved to the fore part of the quarter-deck, where the boatswain was standing, the captain cried out, "All hands shorten sail!"
whistleverbUS /ˈwɪsəl/
make whistling sounds
From this reading In an instant Tom's whistle was at his mouth, and didn't he stamp and shout.
whistlingnounUS /ˈwɪslɪŋ/
the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "In with the studding-sails, my lovely lads; let fly topgallant sheets, my sweet angels.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Though what between the orders issued by the captain and mates, and repeated by him, with the howling of the wind and the whistling of his shrill pipe, the rattling and creaking of the blocks, and the fluttering of the sails, it was difficult for ears unnautical to comprehend the actual words uttered.
