Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

the quantity that can be contained in the arms

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

towards the shore from the water

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

next to; at the side of

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

English general considered one of the greatest generals in history (1650-1722)

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

selling goods abroad at a price below that charged in the domestic market

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

housing that someone is living in

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

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

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

and nothing more

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

a tower with a light that gives warning of shoals to passing ships

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

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

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

a state in New England

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

offensive or even (of persons) malicious

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

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

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

above and across; more than

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

euphemisms for “fat”

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

-ing form of “pump” — operate like a pump; move up and down, like a handle or a pedal

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

past form of “respond” — show a response or a reaction to something

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

United States illustrator whose works present a sentimental idealized view of everyday life (1894-1978)

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

get rid of

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

fall or descend to a lower place or level

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

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

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

a strong wind from the southwest

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

filled with steam or emitting moisture in the form of vapor or mist

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

a kitchen appliance used for cooking food

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

English actress (1847-1928)

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

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

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

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

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading A Story of the Maine Coast Rockwell and Churchill Press BOSTON, U.S.A.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading "Better have some warm, Silas," said the woman, taking the steaming kettle from the stove and following him; "it's more comfortin'."

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

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

From this reading Uncle Terry took off his dripping sou'wester and coat, and, hanging them over the wood box, went to the sink and began pumping a basin of water.

a Caucasian

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."

showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading "The Lord-a-massy help any poor soul that goes ashore to-night," responded a portly, white-haired woman beside the stove, as a monster wave made the little dwelling tremble.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading "It's goin' to be a nasty night," said Uncle Terry, coming in from the shed and dumping an armful of wood in the box behind the kitchen stove, "an' the combers is just a-humpin' over White Hoss Ledge, an' the spray's flyin' half way up the lighthouse."