Chapter I

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

From this reading There was every appearance of a south-westerly wind.

being up to particular standard or level especially in being up to date in knowledge

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in English-speaking countries

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

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

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading There was every appearance of a south-westerly wind.

in a state of sleep

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

only a very short time before

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

offering little or no hope

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

rid of obstructions

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

detect with the senses

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

coming down freely under the influence of gravity

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

plural of “elbow” — hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

a green transparent form of beryl; highly valued as a gemstone

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

divisible by two

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading There was every appearance of a south-westerly wind.

weakening in force or intensity

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

plural of “flag” — emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

plural of “fold” — an angular or rounded shape made by folding

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

a natural elevation (especially a rocky one that juts out into the sea)

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

tastelessly showy

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

in a gradual manner

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

make a fool or dupe of

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

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

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

past form of “hoist” — raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

and nothing more

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

a ship equipped like a lighthouse and anchored where a permanent lighthouse would be impracticable

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

appealing to the emotions as well as the eye

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

enlarged to an abnormal degree

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

a particular point in time

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

in motion

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

situated in or oriented toward the north

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There was every appearance of a south-westerly wind.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

precisely, exactly

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

plural of “royal” — a sail set next above the topgallant on a royal mast

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

the visual property of something that shines with reflected light

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

plural of “slope” — an elevated geological formation

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

in a sluggish manner

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

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

From this reading There was every appearance of a south-westerly wind.

a hitter who slaps (usually another person) with an open hand

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

having a supporting base

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

not in physical motion

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

marked with or as if with stripes or linear discolorations

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

a lightweight cord

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was every appearance of a south-westerly wind.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading There was barely enough air to keep the royals full, and the ship's number, which I had just hoisted at the peak--a string of gaudy flags which made a brilliant figure against the white canvas of the spanker--shook their folds sluggishly.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

the topmost one of two

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

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

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

a sudden or mysterious disappearance

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

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

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

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

From this reading There was every appearance of a south-westerly wind.

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

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

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

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

a Caucasian

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

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

From this reading There was every appearance of a south-westerly wind.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The north wind, which had rattled us with an acre of foam at our bows right away down the river, and had now brought us well abreast of the Gull lightship, was dropping fast.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.

distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)

From this reading The whole stretch of scene, from the North Foreland down to the vanishing French headlands miles away yonder, was lovely at that moment--full of the great peace of an ocean falling asleep, of gently moving vessels, of the solemn gathering of shadows.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The coast of France, which had been standing high and shining upon the horizon on the port bow, and so magnified by the clear northerly air that you could discern, even at that distance, the dim emerald sheen of the upper slopes and the streaky shadows thrown by projecting points and elbows on the white ground, was fast fading, though the sun still stood within an hour of its setting beyond the bleak Foreland.