Chapter XVII

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

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

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

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

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

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

plural of “ant” — social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

English poet and literary critic (1822-1888)

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

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

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

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

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

plural of “ax” — an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

rotating a log rapidly in the water (as a competitive sport)

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

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

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

a cleaning implement for sweeping; bundle of straws or twigs attached to a long handle

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

fasten with a buckle or buckles

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

a steep high face of rock

From this reading Reaching the summit of the cliff they turned to gaze upon the scene of their shipwreck.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

placed crosswise

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

-ing form of “denote” — be a sign or indication of

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

someone who is a detective

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

an old word for “before”

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

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

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

plural of “fisherman” — someone whose occupation is catching fish

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

past form of “flock” — move as a crowd or in a group

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

a long fixed look

From this reading Reaching the summit of the cliff they turned to gaze upon the scene of their shipwreck.

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

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

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

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

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

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

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

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

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

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

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

without good reason

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

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

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

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 "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

a river in northeastern England that flows generally southeastward to join the Trent River and form the Humber

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

a course of conduct

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

plural of “plank” — a stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading Reaching the summit of the cliff they turned to gaze upon the scene of their shipwreck.

snacks and drinks served as a light meal

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Reaching the summit of the cliff they turned to gaze upon the scene of their shipwreck.

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

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

a wrecked ship (or a part of one)

From this reading Reaching the summit of the cliff they turned to gaze upon the scene of their shipwreck.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

as if striking with slashing blows

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

a structure consisting of a room or set of rooms at a single position along a vertical scale

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

cut off or left behind

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

From this reading Reaching the summit of the cliff they turned to gaze upon the scene of their shipwreck.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

a moving crowd

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

shedding tears

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

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

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

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

From this reading Reaching the summit of the cliff they turned to gaze upon the scene of their shipwreck.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

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

From this reading OF THE COMPANY AT THE SIGN OF THE BUCKLE Glad to have come out of their difficulties so lightly, Arnold Gripwell and the three lads set out along the path indicated by the kindly Dick o' Birling.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading Reaching the summit of the cliff they turned to gaze upon the scene of their shipwreck.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Reaching the summit of the cliff they turned to gaze upon the scene of their shipwreck.

the topmost one of two

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

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

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

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

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts

From this reading The sun was low in the western sky ere the wayfarers crossed the Ouse at Seaford and reached the little village of Bishopstone.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading "Here is an inn," said Gripwell, pointing to a long straggling building, from the upper storey of which a broom was displayed denoting the fact that wayfarers could find rest and refreshment.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.

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

From this reading Far below them the crowd of wreckers and fishermen seemed like a swarm of ants as they flocked around the stranded hull of the _Etoile_, now left high and dry, slashing with their axes at the planks and tearing away everything they could lay their hands on.