Chapter XXIV

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

From this reading A CHANGE OF COMMANDERS.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

at or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

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

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

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

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

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

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

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

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

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

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading A CHANGE OF COMMANDERS.

plural of “commander” — an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading A CHANGE OF COMMANDERS.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

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

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

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

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

-ing form of “discover” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

creating or arousing excitement

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

opinion or judgment

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

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

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

the act of departing

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

destroyed or killed

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

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

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

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

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

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

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

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

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

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

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

of or relating to two people who are married to each other

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

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 For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

the officer below the master on a commercial ship

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

a particular point in time

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

an island resort off Cape Cod; formerly a center of the whaling industry

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A CHANGE OF COMMANDERS.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

support consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (especially for a bird)

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

in the near future

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

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

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

possessing material wealth

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

filled with satisfaction

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

plural of “shore” — the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

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

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

the right side of a ship or aircraft to someone who is aboard and facing the bow or nose

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

an intense or violent exertion

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

express in words

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

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

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

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

From this reading At this moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head.

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

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

male cat

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

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

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

close enough to be walked to

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

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

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

look attentively

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

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

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

at the time that

From this reading When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for the shores of Nantucket.

in or at the place that

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”

which person or people

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

greatly desired

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

in the company of; together with

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading For two hours he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”