Chapter XIII

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

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

(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 Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

any thing at all

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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

From this reading The excitement on board may be readily conceived.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

a strong flame that burns brightly

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading The excitement on board may be readily conceived.

the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

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

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

an occurrence of something

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

past form of “conceive” — have the idea for

From this reading The excitement on board may be readily conceived.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

without deviation

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

an old word for “before”

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

divisible by two

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading The excitement on board may be readily conceived.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

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

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

characterized by enmity or ill will

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

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

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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 The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The excitement on board may be readily conceived.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

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

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

not any; not one

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

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

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

many times at short intervals

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The excitement on board may be readily conceived.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

propel with a paddle

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

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

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

inflected form of “ply” — give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

established beyond doubt

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

filled with bewilderment

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

a flat float (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

without much difficulty

From this reading The excitement on board may be readily conceived.

make visible

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

United States humorist remembered for his homespun commentary on politics and American society (1879-1935)

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

only a very short time before

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

exploring in order to gain information

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

(of meat) full of sinews; especially impossible to chew

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

explained or answered

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

past form of “storm” — behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

inflected form of “swear” — utter obscenities or profanities

From this reading Major Rogers stormed and swore, and even seized a paddle himself, and plied it with frantic energy, but all to no purpose.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

in the direction of

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

not expected or anticipated

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

plural of “veteran” — a serviceman who has seen considerable active service

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

a message informing of danger

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

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

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

during the time that

From this reading SCOUTING IN WHALEBOATS It is often the unexpected that happens, and so it proved in this case, for while the Major and his veterans were puzzled as to what to do, the problem solved itself in an altogether different way from anything that had been in their thoughts.

belonging to which person

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Out of the bosom of the night with scarce any warning now came a sudden breeze of surprising strength which took hold of the raft, and despite the utmost efforts of the sinewy paddlers blew it directly toward the hostile camp!

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The stubborn raft moved steadily if slowly before the wind toward the fires, whose blaze would ere long reveal its presence.