Chapter XVII · Conclusion

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

not being in a specified place

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

plural of “agent” — an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading But Don was well aware that he had not been kidnapped because sailors were scarce.

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

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

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

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

for the reason that

From this reading But Don was well aware that he had not been kidnapped because sailors were scarce.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But Don was well aware that he had not been kidnapped because sailors were scarce.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

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

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Don was well aware that he had not been kidnapped because sailors were scarce.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

with self-possession (especially in times of stress)

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading But Don was well aware that he had not been kidnapped because sailors were scarce.

possessive form of “don” — a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

living quarters consisting of a superstructure in the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

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

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

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

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

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

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

take away to an undisclosed location against their will and usually in order to extract a ransom

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

inflected form of “kidnap” — take away to an undisclosed location against their will and usually in order to extract a ransom

From this reading But Don was well aware that he had not been kidnapped because sailors were scarce.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

the force of workers available

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

feel sadness

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

not any; not one

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But Don was well aware that he had not been kidnapped because sailors were scarce.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

above and across; more than

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

an amount of time

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

past form of “restore” — return to its original or usable and functioning condition

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

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

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

only a very short time before

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

plural of “seaman” — a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

the commercial enterprise of moving goods and materials

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

carry out

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

express gratitude or show appreciation to

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

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

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

a special situation

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

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

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

push forcefully

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

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

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

a source of difficulty

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

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

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

(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 Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

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

From this reading Don’s senses were by this time pretty well restored, and he was able to think the situation over calmly.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading “But what have I done to Lester that he should take this way of being revenged upon me?”

at the time that

From this reading He had read enough to know that it is no uncommon thing for shipping agents, when seamen are scarce, to kidnap landsmen, and thrust them into a ship’s forecastle to do duty as sailors; and he knew, too, that these “shanghaied men,” as they are called, are sometimes absent for so long a period that their friends on shore mourn them as dead.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had heard Lester Brigham’s name mentioned in connection with some money that was to be paid to Barr, and he knew whom he had to thank for the trouble he had got into.