Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading So lifeless was the sea that our foremast barely swayed against the stars.

at or in the front

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

(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 OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

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

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

only a very short time before

From this reading So lifeless was the sea that our foremast barely swayed against the stars.

the act of overcoming or outdoing

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

not breathing or able to breathe except with difficulty

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

An overhead roof or structure, such as the high vaulted ceiling of an ancient library.

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

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

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

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

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

a game played on ice in which heavy stones with handles are slid toward a target

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

a native or inhabitant of the Philippines

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

the mast nearest the bow in vessels with two or more masts

From this reading So lifeless was the sea that our foremast barely swayed against the stars.

reproduced fraudulently

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

a conical shape with a wider and a narrower opening at the two ends

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

in a gradual manner

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

a low flat-bottomed freight car with fixed sides but no roof

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

provided with artificial light

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

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

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

of the color of black ink

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

deprived of life; no longer living

From this reading So lifeless was the sea that our foremast barely swayed against the stars.

in a listless manner

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

of an obscure nature

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

the leaf of a conifer

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

plural of “odor” — any property detected by the olfactory system

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

weighing heavily on the senses or spirit

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

a person who refuses to face reality or recognize the truth (a reference to the popular notion that the ostrich hides from danger by burying its head in the sand)

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

plural of “outpost” — a station in a remote or sparsely populated location

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

emitting light without appreciable heat as by slow oxidation of phosphorous

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

front part of a vessel or aircraft

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

an army officer who provides clothing and subsistence for troops

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

a result

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

past form of “sail” — traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

without speaking

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

past form of “smear” — stain by smearing or daubing with a dirty substance

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

with low volume

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading So lifeless was the sea that our foremast barely swayed against the stars.

the act of taking something from someone unlawfully

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

not in physical motion

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

past form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading So lifeless was the sea that our foremast barely swayed against the stars.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

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

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

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

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

past form of “trail” — to lag or linger behind

From this reading The smoke from our funnel trailed across the purple canopy of the sky as though smeared with an inky brush.

relating to or situated in or characteristic of the tropics (the region on either side of the equator)

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

the part of the Earth's surface between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn; characterized by a hot climate

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

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

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE We sailed at sunset out of Jolo and all through the breathless tropic night the _Negros_ forged ahead at half-speed, her sharp prow cleaving the still bosom of the Sulu Sea as silently as a gondola stealing down the Canale Grande.

change directions as if revolving on a pivot

From this reading Behind me, in the darkened chart-room, the Filipino quartermaster gently swung the wheel from time to time in response to the direction of the needle on the illuminated compass-dial.

in the company of; together with

From this reading So oppressive was the night that sleep was out of the question, and I leaned upon the rail of the bridge, the hot land breeze, laden with the mysterious odors of the tropics, beating softly in my face, and listlessly watched the phosphorescent ostrich feathers curling from our bows.