used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
assurancenounUS /əˈʃʊrəns/
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
exhale hard
From this reading Boreland was the first to recover from the blow.
Boreland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
calamitynounUS /kəˈlæməti/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
canoesnounUS /kəˈnuːz/
plural of “canoe” — small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
direstadjectiveUS /ˈdaɪrəst/
superlative of “dire” — fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Boreland was the first to recover from the blow.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
frailadjectiveUS /freɪl/
physically weak
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
plural of “hundred” — ten 10s
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
KodiaknounUS /ˈkoʊdiæk/
an island off southern Alaska in the Gulf of Alaska; site of the first European settlement in the area which was founded by the Russians in 1784
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
the act of departing
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
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 It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
something that is lost
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
magnitudenounUS /ˈmæɡnətuːd/
the property of relative size or extent (whether large or small)
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
mainlandnounUS /ˈmeɪnlænd/
the main land mass of a country or continent; as distinguished from an island or peninsula
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
the force of workers available
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
of an obscure nature
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
absolutely essential
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
and nothing more
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
packedadjectiveUS /pækt/
extremely crowed or filled to capacity
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
poundverbUS /paʊnd/
hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
provisionsnounUS /prəˈvɪʒənz/
a stock or supply of foods
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
recoververbUS /rɪˈkʌvər/
get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading Boreland was the first to recover from the blow.
rememberingnounUS /rɪˈmembərɪŋ/
the cognitive processes whereby past experience is remembered
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
try to get or reach
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
SitkanounUS /ˈsɪtkə/
a town in southeastern Alaska that was the capital of Russian America and served as the capital of Alaska from 1867 until 1906
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
staggeringadjectiveUS /ˈstæɡərɪŋ/
so surprisingly impressive as to stun or overwhelm
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading It meant that every pound of provisions left at the West Camp must be packed on the backs of the men to the cabin.
whale-boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MYSTERIOUS PRESENCE The loss of the whale-boat was a calamity staggering in its magnitude.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Nothing but the direst necessity could have forced Boreland to seek the mainland in the frail craft, but, remembering that the Indians of the coast had been known to journey the hundreds of miles from Sitka to Kodiak in open canoes, there had been a certain feeling of assurance in the thought that with the whale-boat there was at least a chance of bringing help to the Island should it be necessary.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Not only that, but they were now without any means whatever of leaving the Island.
