Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE ADVENTURES OF JONES" ETC.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

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

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE ADVENTURES OF JONES" ETC.

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

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

for the reason that

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

a youthful male person

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

befitting or characteristic of a young boy

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

plural of “caption” — taking exception; especially a quibble based on a captious argument

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE ADVENTURES OF JONES" ETC.

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

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

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

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

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

your parents

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

devoid of good sense or judgment

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

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

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

a set of tags and rules (conforming to SGML) for using them in developing hypertext documents

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

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

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

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

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

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

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

past form of “insert” — put or introduce into something

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

a small worthless amount

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

United States labor leader (born in Ireland) who helped to found the Industrial Workers of the World (1830-1930)

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE ADVENTURES OF JONES" ETC.

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

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

plural of “location” — a point or extent in space

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

come to pass

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF "THE ADVENTURES OF JONES" ETC.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

by chance

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

cut with a saw

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

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

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

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

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

a special situation

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

precisely as stated

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

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

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

have a certain weight

From this reading "They're three of a kind," said Grandpa Oldberry, as he watched us weigh anchor; "their parents oughter be sent fer."

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

From this reading Perhaps we were pretty big boys--Jack and I. In fact, I'm afraid we were so big that we haven't grown much since.

at the time that

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.

in or at the place that

From this reading The illustration captions at the places where they have been inserted in the HTML version, not in the exact locations where they occur in the book.

a late time of life

From this reading But Ollie was a boy, anyhow; he couldn't have been more than a dozen years old, and we looked upon him as being a very small boy indeed; though when folks saw us starting off, some of them seemed to think that we were as boyish as he, because, they said, it was such a foolish thing to do; and in some way, I'm sure I don't know how, boys have got the reputation of always doing foolish things.