Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

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

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

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

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

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

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

(American football) a successful forward pass in football

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

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

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

rules governing socially acceptable behavior

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

the organ of sight

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

in a gradual manner

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

affixed or as if affixed with glue or paste

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

praise vociferously

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

past form of “hail” — praise vociferously

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

a line of text serving to indicate what the passage below it is about

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

so as to be incapable of moving

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

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

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

the act of departing

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

a largely agricultural county in central England

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

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

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

for more time

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

the topmast next above the mainmast

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

engage in

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

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

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

past form of “murmur” — speak softly or indistinctly

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

relating to or involving ships or shipping or navigation or seamen

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

-ing form of “near” — move towards

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

not any; not one

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

being perceived or observed

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

on one occasion

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

in a noticeable manner

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

a large beer glass

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

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

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

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

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

term of address for a man

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

possessive form of “skipper” — a student who fails to attend classes

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

direct the course; determine the direction of travelling

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

successive (without a break)

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

possessive form of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

management by overseeing the performance or operation of a person or group

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

plural of “sweep” — a wide scope

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

crush together or collapse

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

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

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

a sail (or either of a pair of sails) immediately above the lowermost sail of a mast and supported by a topmast

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

conduit consisting of a long hollow object (usually cylindrical) used to hold and conduct objects or liquids or gases

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

a state of commotion and noise and confusion

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

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

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

the topmost one of two

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

in a vague way

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

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

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

look attentively

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

at the time that

From this reading Ritson, entirely contrary to nautical etiquette, made no reply to the skipper's hail, but remained with his eye immovably glued to the tube for a full minute longer, when he gently closed the instrument and descended slowly to the deck.

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

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.

which person or people

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

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

From this reading "Why, Ritson," he hailed, "the schooner must have a little air of wind, surely; she is nearing us perceptibly."

in the company of; together with

From this reading Ritson did not wait for the completion of this operation, but, leaving its superintendence to Mr Bowen (who, like the rest of the watch below, had come on deck to see what was the cause of the unusual tumult), retired once more with the telescope to his former post in the main-topmast cross-trees, and resumed his scrutiny of the strange schooner.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Arrived there, he walked up to Captain Leicester, and first glancing cautiously round to make sure that no one was within ear-shot, murmured in a low voice-- "She's heading as straight for us as she can steer, sir, _with six sweeps out_--_three of a side_.

showing curiosity

From this reading George noticed this, and vaguely wondering what had so greatly excited his second mate's curiosity, glanced in the direction to which the telescope was pointing, to find to his surprise that the upper half of the stranger's topsail was visible from the deck.