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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
althoughnounUS /ˈalthough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
apart
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From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
attack
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From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
available
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
awaited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
BATTLE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
beat
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From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
better
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From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
bulwarks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
Burke
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From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
CaptainnounUS /ˈcaptain/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
collision
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
coming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
conflict
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
crouching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
danger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
deck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
devices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
dismissed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
easily
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From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
Edna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
elude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
embarrass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
faster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
fatal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
fight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
gunshots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
headed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
herenounUS /here/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
Horn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
idea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
instantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
intended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
lowered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
managed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
mattresses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
MERCHANTnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
Monterey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
pirate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
plainlynounUS /ˈplainly/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
port
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
probably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
protected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
protract
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
quicker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
reversing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
run
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
scoundrels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
shipnounUS /ship/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
SHIPS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
Shirley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
showed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
smaller
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
smokestack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
south
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
starboard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
steamer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
steamingnounUS /ˈsteaming/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
steering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
surenounUS /sure/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
sweep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/
in the direction of
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
tried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was so sure that he had men enough to beat down the scoundrels when they tried to board that he thought the quicker the fight began, the better.
trying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
veering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
vessel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
Vittorio
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
west
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS When the _Vittorio_ showed that in veering away from the _Monterey_ she had done so only in order to make a sweep around to the west, and when she had headed south and the mattresses lowered along her starboard side showed plainly to Captain Horn that she was about to attack him and how she was going to do it, his first thought was to embarrass her by reversing his course and steering this way and that, but he instantly dismissed this idea.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading With most of his men crouching behind his port bulwarks, and others protected by deck houses, smokestack, and any other available devices against gunshots, Captain Horn awaited the coming of the pirate steamer, which was steaming towards him as if it intended to run him down.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading If only he had Shirley and Burke with him, he thought; but although they were not here, he had Edna to fight for, and that made three men of himself.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The pirate vessel was smaller and faster than his own, and probably much more easily managed, and apart from the danger of a collision fatal to his ship, he would only protract the conflict by trying to elude her.
