AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
afternoonnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːn/
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
aloftadverbUS /əˈlɔːft/
at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
balledverbUS /bɔːld/
past form of “ball” — form into a ball by winding or rolling
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
beatverbUS /biːt/
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading I was safe, by my hold upon the rigging, but it made my heart beat quick.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I was safe, by my hold upon the rigging, but it made my heart beat quick.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
decknounUS /dek/
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
EQUATORnounUS /ɪˈkweɪtər/
an imaginary line around the Earth forming the great circle that is equidistant from the north and south poles
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
ESCAPESnounUS /ɪˈskeɪps/
plural of “escape” — the act of escaping physically
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
feetnounUS /fiːt/
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
fellverbUS /fel/
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
footnounUS /fʊt/
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
forenounUS /fɔːr/
front part of a vessel or aircraft
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading However, "a miss is as good as a mile;" a saying which sailors very often have occasion to use.
gotverbUS /ɡɑːt/
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
happeningnounUS /ˈhæpənɪŋ/
an event that happens
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
heartnounUS /hɑːrt/
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading I was safe, by my hold upon the rigging, but it made my heart beat quick.
heightnounUS /haɪt/
the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
hoistedverbUS /ˈhɔɪstəd/
past form of “hoist” — raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
holdverbUS /hoʊld/
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
hournounUS /ˈaʊər/
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
HoweveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, "a miss is as good as a mile;" a saying which sailors very often have occasion to use.
hundrednounUS /ˈhʌndrəd/
ten 10s
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
hungverbUS /hʌŋ/
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
inevitablyadverbUS /ˌɪˈnevətəbli/
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
instantnounUS /ˈɪnstənt/
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I was safe, by my hold upon the rigging, but it made my heart beat quick.
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
laidadjectiveUS /leɪd/
set down according to a plan
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
liftingverbUS /ˈlɪftɪŋ/
-ing form of “lift” — raise from a lower to a higher position
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
longeradverbUS /ˈlɔːŋɡər/
for more time
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading I was safe, by my hold upon the rigging, but it made my heart beat quick.
metverbUS /met/
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
milenounUS /maɪl/
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading However, "a miss is as good as a mile;" a saying which sailors very often have occasion to use.
missverbUS /mɪs/
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading However, "a miss is as good as a mile;" a saying which sailors very often have occasion to use.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
NARROWverbUS /ˈneroʊ/
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
nearlyadverbUS /ˈnɪrli/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
ninetyadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪnti/
being ten more than eighty
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
occasionnounUS /əˈkeɪʒən/
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading However, "a miss is as good as a mile;" a saying which sailors very often have occasion to use.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/
many times at short intervals
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
overboardadverbUS /ˈoʊvərbɔːrd/
to extremes
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
partedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːrtɪd/
having a margin incised almost to the base so as to create distinct divisions or lobes
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
quickadjectiveUS /kwɪk/
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading I was safe, by my hold upon the rigging, but it made my heart beat quick.
riggingnounUS /ˈrɪɡɪŋ/
gear consisting of ropes etc. supporting a ship's masts and sails
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
safeadjectiveUS /seɪf/
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading I was safe, by my hold upon the rigging, but it made my heart beat quick.
sailor'snounUS /ˈseɪlərz/
possessive form of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
sailorsnounUS /ˈseɪlərz/
plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading However, "a miss is as good as a mile;" a saying which sailors very often have occasion to use.
sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/
Identical; not different.
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
sayingnounUS /ˈseɪɪŋ/
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading However, "a miss is as good as a mile;" a saying which sailors very often have occasion to use.
serving-board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
sooneradverbUS /ˈsuːnər/
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
SQUALLSnounUS /skwɔːlz/
plural of “squall” — sudden violent winds; often accompanied by precipitation
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
standingadjectiveUS /ˈstændɪŋ/
having a supporting base
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
STORMverbUS /stɔːrm/
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
thrownadjectiveUS /θroʊn/
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
THUNDERverbUS /ˈθʌndər/
move fast, noisily, and heavily
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
tienounUS /taɪ/
neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading However, "a miss is as good as a mile;" a saying which sailors very often have occasion to use.
tookverbUS /tʊk/
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
top-gallant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
TROPICALadjectiveUS /ˈtrɑːpɪkəl/
relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator)
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I was safe, by my hold upon the rigging, but it made my heart beat quick.
usenounUS /juːs/
the act of using
From this reading However, "a miss is as good as a mile;" a saying which sailors very often have occasion to use.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading However, "a miss is as good as a mile;" a saying which sailors very often have occasion to use.
violentlyadverbUS /ˈvaɪələntli/
in a violent manner
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading NARROW ESCAPES--THE EQUATOR--TROPICAL SQUALLS--A THUNDER STORM The same day, I met with one of those narrow escapes, which are so often happening in a sailor's life.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
worseadjectiveUS /wɜːrs/
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading Had the tie parted one instant sooner, or had I stood an instant longer on the yard, I should inevitably have been thrown violently from the height of ninety or a hundred feet, overboard; or, what is worse, upon the deck.
yardnounUS /jɑːrd/
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
yarnsnounUS /jɑːrnz/
plural of “yarn” — the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events
From this reading I had been aloft nearly all the afternoon, at work, standing for as much as an hour on the fore top-gallant yard, which was hoisted up, and hung only by the tie; when, having got through my work, I balled up my yarns, took my serving-board in my hand, laid hold deliberately of the top-gallant rigging, took one foot from the yard, and was just lifting the other, when the tie parted, and down the yard fell.
