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 _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

(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 Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

at or near or toward the center of a ship

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

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

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

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

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

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

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

in a state of sleep

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

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

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

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

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

brought into existence

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

inflected form of “breed” — call forth

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

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

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

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

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

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

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

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

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

at any time

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

apart from; not including

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

of the highest quality

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

yet to be or coming

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

plural of “glance” — a quick look

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

having dark hairs mixed with grey or white

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

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

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

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

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

possessive form of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

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

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

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

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

a small worthless amount

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

past form of “lash” — beat severely with a whip or rod

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

immediately past

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

imposing in size or bulk or solidity

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

the force of workers available

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

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

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

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

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

not any; not one

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

no person; not anyone

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

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

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

the state of being in effect or being operative

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

the local environment

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

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

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

plural of “port” — a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

with little or no delay

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

To recall to mind.

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

an exhibition of a representative selection of an artist's life work

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

an educational institution

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

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

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

responsive to physical stimuli

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

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

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

an example regarded as typical of its class

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

make square

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

plural of “storm” — a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

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

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

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

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

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

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

not given to gentleness or sentimentality

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

marked by unswerving loyalty

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

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

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

a person who is regarded as treacherous or sneaky

From this reading No weasel was ever half so sensitive on that point as he was.

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

From this reading He was tough, and sturdy, and grizzled, and broad, and square, and massive--a first-rate specimen of a John Bull, and according to himself, "always kept his weather-eye open."

worn by exposure to the weather

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

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

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading _Some of the "dramatis personæ" introduced--Retrospective glances--Causes of future effects--Our hero's early life at sea--A pirate--A terrible fight and its consequences--Buzzby's helm lashed amidships--A whaling-cruise begun._ Nobody ever caught John Buzzby asleep by any chance whatever.

at the time that

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

in or to any place at all

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

which person or people

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

past form of “wink” — signal by winking

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading John Buzzby was an old salt--a regular true-blue Jack tar of the old school, who had been born and bred at sea; had visited foreign ports innumerable; had weathered more storms than he could count, and had witnessed more strange sights than he could remember.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Wherever he happened to be (and in the course of his adventurous life he had been to nearly all parts of the known world) he was the first awake in the morning and the last asleep at night; he always answered promptly to the first call; and was never known by any man living to have been seen with his eyes shut, except when he winked, and that operation he performed less frequently than other men.