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Moby-Dick; or, The Whale
Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

Chapter XX · All Astir

All Astir, section 1: A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod. Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of
Context Illustration Reading 1/6 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.
Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.
Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.
On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.
So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

Chapter XX · All Astir

Reading 1/6 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.
Line 2
Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.
Line 3
Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.
Line 4
On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.
Line 5
So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.”

Collocations
A dayA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
day orA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
All words in this reading · 104

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

aboard

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

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

activity

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

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

all

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

articles

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

ashore

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

betokened

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

Bildad

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

board

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

bolts

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

canvas

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

CaptainnounUS /ˈcaptain/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

chests

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

close

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

coils

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

coming

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

company

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

day

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

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

down

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

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

employed

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

following

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

given

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

got

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

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

handsplural nounUS /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

hold

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

how

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

hurrying

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

inns

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

keeping

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

look-out

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

men

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

mended

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

new

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

night

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

night-fall

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

NotadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

old

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

only

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

Peleg

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

Pequod

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

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

preparations

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

providing

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

purchasing

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

Queequeg

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

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

Queequeg's

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

resolving

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

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

rigging

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

sailing

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

sails

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

sat

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

seldom

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

sharp

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

ship's

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/

brief or direct in expression

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

signing

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

sleep

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

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

soon

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

stopping

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

stores

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

telling

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

there

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

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

traps

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

From this reading So Queequeg and I got down our traps, resolving, however, to sleep ashore till the last.

two

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

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

vessel

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading A day or two passed, and there was great activity aboard the Pequod.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Not only were the old sails being mended, but new sails were coming on board, and bolts of canvas, and coils of rigging; in short, everything betokened that the ship’s preparations were hurrying to a close.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

wigwam

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.

word

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

From this reading On the day following Queequeg’s signing the articles, word was given at all the inns where the ship’s company were stopping, that their chests must be on board before night, for there was no telling how soon the vessel might be sailing.

working

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

From this reading Captain Peleg seldom or never went ashore, but sat in his wigwam keeping a sharp look-out upon the hands: Bildad did all the purchasing and providing at the stores; and the men employed in the hold and on the rigging were working till long after night-fall.