Chapter V

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

From this reading A SUDDEN DISAPPEARANCE.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

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

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

the verbal act of requesting

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

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

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading A SUDDEN DISAPPEARANCE.

arouse or elicit a feeling

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

a temporary passageway of planks (as over mud on a building site)

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

the act of giving

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

a triangular fore-and-aft sail used especially in the Mediterranean

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

deliver a lecture or talk

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

the largest inland sea; between Europe and Africa and Asia

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

the force of workers available

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

plural of “merchantman” — a cargo ship

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

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

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

meat from a mature domestic sheep

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

approval to do something

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

in a polite manner

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

more desirable than another

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

transport commercially

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

a clam that is usually steamed in the shell

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading A SUDDEN DISAPPEARANCE.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading Not a few of the boats came up to the gangway, their occupants asking permission to go on board; but they were politely refused by the officers in charge.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading The several craft were not men–of–war or merchantmen; and they seemed to excite a great deal of curiosity.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

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

From this reading Some of the boats carried lateen, or leg–of–mutton sails, which are used more than any other on the Mediterranean.

during the time that

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.

which person or people

From this reading While Professor Mapps was giving his lecture, or his “talk” as he preferred to call it, in the grand saloon of the steamer, quite a number of boats were pulling around the steamer, and the other vessels of the squadron, some of them containing boatmen looking for a job, and others, people who were curious to see the ship and her consorts.