Chapter X

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

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

the act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of something

From this reading She mounted a rifle gun, evidently a new acquisition, and she was testing it on us.

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

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

plural of “attention” — the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

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

From this reading The Ivy was a converted tugboat, a technical term to be understood in a temporal, not a spiritual sense.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

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

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

a supporter of the Confederate States of America

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

not invading healthy tissue

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

past form of “convert” — change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy

From this reading The Ivy was a converted tugboat, a technical term to be understood in a temporal, not a spiritual sense.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading She mounted a rifle gun, evidently a new acquisition, and she was testing it on us.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

set up or found

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

many times at short intervals

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

be excessively hot

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading She mounted a rifle gun, evidently a new acquisition, and she was testing it on us.

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

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

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

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

Old World vine with lobed evergreen leaves and black berrylike fruits

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

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

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

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 If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

past form of “matter” — have weight; have import, carry weight

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

the quality of wearisome constancy, routine, and lack of variety

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support

From this reading She mounted a rifle gun, evidently a new acquisition, and she was testing it on us.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading She mounted a rifle gun, evidently a new acquisition, and she was testing it on us.

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

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She mounted a rifle gun, evidently a new acquisition, and she was testing it on us.

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

never-ceasing

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

exceedingly harmful

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

strike or drive against with a heavy impact

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

the act of reconnoitring (especially to gain information about an enemy or potential enemy)

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

possessive form of “richmond” — capital of the state of Virginia located in the east central part of the state; was capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

steal goods; take as spoils

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

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

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading The Ivy was a converted tugboat, a technical term to be understood in a temporal, not a spiritual sense.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

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

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

in the near future

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading The Ivy was a converted tugboat, a technical term to be understood in a temporal, not a spiritual sense.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

carry out

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

of or relating to technique or proficiency in a practical skill

From this reading The Ivy was a converted tugboat, a technical term to be understood in a temporal, not a spiritual sense.

not eternal

From this reading The Ivy was a converted tugboat, a technical term to be understood in a temporal, not a spiritual sense.

a word or expression used for some particular thing

From this reading The Ivy was a converted tugboat, a technical term to be understood in a temporal, not a spiritual sense.

the act of subjecting to experimental test in order to determine how well something works

From this reading She mounted a rifle gun, evidently a new acquisition, and she was testing it on us.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

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

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

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

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

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

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships

From this reading The Ivy was a converted tugboat, a technical term to be understood in a temporal, not a spiritual sense.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading The Ivy was a converted tugboat, a technical term to be understood in a temporal, not a spiritual sense.

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

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

characterized by variety

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.

someone who visits

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

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

From this reading We soon learned that this persistent and pestilent visitor was the Confederate steamer Ivy, in charge of Lieutenant-Commander Fry.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

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

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading A NIGHT ATTACK BY A CONFEDERATE RAM From the time of the Richmond’s arrival at the Bélize we found ourselves the object of deep interest to a black, snaky-looking steamer that fell into the way of coming down the river daily to take a look at us and see what we were doing.

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

From this reading If she had confined her attentions to a mere reconnaissance it would not have so much mattered, but she frequently varied the monotony of this proceeding by throwing a rifle shot at us from a long range.