100 words to know before reading Great Expectations

1. A small seed found in fruits like apples and oranges.
2. A short, high-pitched sound, often electronic.

tongue could make of both names nothing longer or more explicit than Pip. So, I called myself Pip, and came to be called Pip. I give Pirrip as my father’s family name, on the authority of his

1. A person who forges and shapes iron or steel by hand.
2. A craftsman who makes and repairs metal objects, tools, and horseshoes.

about?” “My sister, sir—Mrs. Joe Gargery—wife of Joe Gargery, the blacksmith, sir.” “Blacksmith, eh?” said he. And looked down at his leg. After darkly looking at his leg and me several times,

1. Stinging plants with serrated leaves (e.g., stinging nettle).
2. Irritates or annoys someone.

together—and limped towards the low church wall. As I saw him go, picking his way among the nettles, and among the brambles that bound the green mounds, he looked in my young eyes as if he were

1. A vertical structure for venting smoke from a fireplace or furnace.
2. A narrow opening or passage, often in rock formations.

bedroom. “Hark!” said I, when I had done my stirring, and was taking a final warm in the chimney corner before being sent up to bed; “was that great guns, Joe?” “Ah!” said Joe. “There’s another

1. A person or thing that tickles.
2. A reminder or file for keeping track of tasks or notes.

making it a baker’s dozen.” “Is she?” “Yes, Pip,” said Joe; “and what’s worse, she’s got Tickler with her.” At this dismal intelligence, I twisted the only button on my waistcoat round and

1. A man or boy; informal term for a male friend.
2. The jaw or cheek of a person or animal.

a most oncommon bolt as that!” “Been bolting his food, has he?” cried my sister. “You know, old chap,” said Joe, looking at me, and not at Mrs. Joe, with his bite still in his cheek, “I bolted,

1. A shaped mass of baked bread.
2. A quantity of food formed into a particular shape.

our bread and butter for us, that never varied. First, with her left hand she jammed the loaf hard and fast against her bib—where it sometimes got a pin into it, and sometimes a needle,

1. Slightly wet or moist.
2. To reduce the intensity or enthusiasm of something.

III It was a rimy morning, and very damp. I had seen the damp lying on the outside of my little window, as if some goblin had been crying

1. A fine spray or light fog in the air.
2. A thin layer of liquid on a surface.

to him, regularly bound, we would have such larks there! However, in the confusion of the mist, I found myself at last too far to the right, and consequently had to try back along the

1. Before in time or place (archaic or formal).
2. Previously mentioned or referred to (legal or formal usage).

lying out on the meshes, and they’re dreadful aguish. Rheumatic too.” “I’ll eat my breakfast afore they’re the death of me,” said he. “I’d do that, if I was going to be strung up to that there

1. Extremely unhappy or unfortunate.
2. Of poor quality; very bad.

you could help to hunt a wretched warmint hunted as near death and dunghill as this poor wretched warmint is!” Something clicked in his throat as if he had works in him like a clock, and was

1. A sweet, soft dessert made with milk, sugar, and flavorings, often thickened with eggs or starch.
2. A savory dish, such as black pudding, made with blood, grains, and spices.

done so then. But, perhaps, nobody’s ever did? It was Christmas Eve, and I had to stir the pudding for next day, with a copper stick, from seven to eight by the Dutch clock. I tried it with the

1. A small room or cupboard where food, dishes, and kitchen supplies are stored.
2. A place in a household or restaurant for keeping dry goods and non-perishable items.

if I had been inclined, for I knew that at the first faint dawn of morning I must rob the pantry. There was no doing it in the night, for there was no getting a light by easy friction then; to

1. A sauce made from meat juices, often thickened with flour or cornstarch.
2. (Slang) Unexpected or unearned benefits or money.

“He was, if ever a child was,” said my sister, most emphatically. Joe gave me some more gravy. “Well, but I mean a four-footed squeaker,” said Mr. Pumblechook. “If you had been born such,

1. A dark, thick liquid derived from coal or wood, used in paving roads or waterproofing.
2. To coat or cover something with tar.

upon herself, said, snappishly, “Escaped. Escaped.” Administering the definition like tar water. While Mrs. Joe sat with her head bending over her needlework, I put my mouth into the

1. A type of long-barreled firearm used by infantry from the 16th to 19th centuries.
2. Smoothbore guns fired from the shoulder, often muzzle-loaded.

than the house door, for there I ran head-foremost into a party of soldiers with their muskets, one of whom held out a pair of handcuffs to me, saying, “Here you are, look sharp, come on!”

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

good sauce for a dinner my fugitive friend on the marshes was. They had not enjoyed themselves a quarter so much, before the entertainment was brightened with the excitement he furnished. And

1. A small, simple shelter or dwelling, often made of wood or other natural materials.
2. A temporary or basic structure used for camping or storage.

had to halt while they rested. After an hour or so of this travelling, we came to a rough wooden hut and a landing-place. There was a guard in the hut, and they challenged, and the sergeant

1. A term of endearment for an elderly woman, often affectionate or humorous.
2. A young chicken or hen, especially in informal usage.

On Sundays, she went to church elaborated. Much of my unassisted self, and more by the help of Biddy than of Mr. Wopsle’s great-aunt, I struggled through the alphabet as if it had been a

1. A fine-grained rock used for roofing and writing surfaces.
2. A list of candidates for election or appointment.

and cipher, on the very smallest scale. One night I was sitting in the chimney corner with my slate, expending great efforts on the production of a letter to Joe. I think it must have been a full

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

to his Sunday dress. My sister was uncommonly lively on the present occasion, and indeed was generally more gracious in the society of Mrs. Hubble than in other company. I remember Mrs.

1. A female horse or other equine animal.
2. (Astronomy) A large, dark, flat area on the moon or Mars.

to the eyes. Mrs. Joe was soon landed, and Uncle Pumblechook was soon down too, covering the mare with a cloth, and we were soon all in the kitchen, carrying so much cold air in with us that it

1. Thick cotton fabric with raised parallel ridges or "wales," often used for trousers or jackets.
2. Pants made from corduroy fabric.

and so did his shopman; and somehow, there was a general air and flavor about the corduroys, so much in the nature of seeds, and a general air and flavor about the seeds, so much in the

1. A cylinder of wax with a central wick that is lit to produce light.
2. A unit of luminous intensity.

boy; I am not going in.” And scornfully walked away, and—what was worse—took the candle with her. This was very uncomfortable, and I was half afraid. However, the only thing to be done

1. Rough or harsh in texture.
2. Lacking refinement or delicacy.

jumped up, and it was not the same man, but another man! And yet this man was dressed in coarse gray, too, and had a great iron on his leg, and was lame, and hoarse, and cold, and was

1. The part of the face above the eyebrows and below the hairline.
2. The front or forward part of something.

feelings, and the company came. Mr. Wopsle, united to a Roman nose and a large shining bald forehead, had a deep voice which he was uncommonly proud of; indeed it was understood among his

1. The number equivalent to four times ten (40).
2. A term used to describe a quantity or age.

him, as if he were going to cut my hair, and said— “First (to get our thoughts in order): Forty-three pence?” I calculated the consequences of replying “Four Hundred Pound,” and finding them

1. Thin slices of meat, often breaded and fried.
2. Ground meat shaped into patties and cooked.

“Four dogs,” said I. “Large or small?” “Immense,” said I. “And they fought for veal-cutlets out of a silver basket.” Mr. Pumblechook and Mrs. Joe stared at one another again, in utter

1. A spoken or written comment or observation.
2. To notice or observe something.

I, timidly; after a silence during which I had hesitated as to the politeness of making the remark. “There’s no more to be got where that came from.” It was the certainty of this fact that

1. Happy and cheerful in mood or appearance.
2. (British informal) Very; extremely (e.g., "jolly good").

Bargemen, that evening, on my way from school, and bring him home at my peril. To the Three Jolly Bargemen, therefore, I directed my steps. There was a bar at the Jolly Bargemen, with some

1. Workers who operate or navigate barges, typically on rivers or canals.
2. Individuals employed in loading and unloading cargo from barges.

pipe there. I had received strict orders from my sister to call for him at the Three Jolly Bargemen, that evening, on my way from school, and bring him home at my peril. To the Three Jolly

1. An alcoholic drink made from sugarcane or molasses.
2. A card game where players try to match cards in sets or runs.

me down. But he said nothing after offering his Blue Blazes observation, until the glasses of rum and water were brought; and then he made his shot, and a most extraordinary shot it was. It was

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

Joe, shaking his head at me in very serious remonstrance. “Pip, old chap! You’ll do yourself a mischief. It’ll stick somewhere. You can’t have chawed it, Pip.” “What’s the matter now?”

1. A person's face or facial expression.
2. Support or approval of something.

paper, and that the face was Miss Havisham’s, with a movement going over the whole countenance as if she were trying to call to me. In the terror of seeing the figure, and in the terror of

1. Bound by agreement to learn a trade or skill under a skilled worker.
2. Serving as an apprentice; undergoing training.

the master you were to be apprenticed to?” “Yes, Miss Havisham.” “You had better be apprenticed at once. Would Gargery come here with you, and bring your indentures, do you think?” I signified

1. (noun) A short form of the name Clement.
2. (verb) To starve or suffer from hunger.

for the introduction of Old Clem’s respected name. Thus, you were to hammer boys round—Old Clem! With a thump and a sound—Old Clem! Beat it out, beat it out—Old Clem! With a clink for the

1. A person who supports or sponsors an artist, charity, or cause.
2. A regular customer of a business, especially a bar or restaurant.

one of my teeth out at every reference; while Pumblechook himself, self-constituted my patron, would sit supervising me with a depreciatory eye, like the architect of my fortunes who thought

1. Between or in the middle of two things.
2. In an intermediate position or state.

five minutes, Pip. She’s a coming! Get behind the door, old chap, and have the jack-towel betwixt you.” I took the advice. My sister, Mrs. Joe, throwing the door wide open, and finding an

1. Legal contracts binding parties to specific terms, often for apprenticeships or servitude.
2. Formal agreements, especially historical ones involving labor or land.

argumentative, and polite, he persisted in being to Me. “Have you brought his indentures with you?” asked Miss Havisham. “Well, Pip, you know,” replied Joe, as if that were a little

1. A room for entertaining guests or socializing.
2. A shop or business, such as a beauty parlor or ice cream parlor.

flounce across the wide chimney to replace the old one, and uncovered the little state parlor across the passage, which was never uncovered at any other time, but passed the rest of the year

1. A toilet or bathroom (British informal).
2. A card game similar to lanterloo.

sirs, Too rul loo rul Too rul loo rul Wasn’t I done very brown sirs? Too rul loo rul Too rul loo rul —still, in my desire to be wiser, I got this composition by heart with the utmost gravity;

1. Moving or standing in a lazy, drooping, or relaxed manner.
2. To sit, stand, or walk with a slumped or hunched posture.

loose-limbed swarthy fellow of great strength, never in a hurry, and always slouching. He never even seemed to come to his work on purpose, but would slouch in as if by mere accident;

1. Made a low, rough sound, often in anger or irritation.
2. Spoke in a deep, harsh voice.

and the worst rogue between this and France. Now!” “You’re a foul shrew, Mother Gargery,” growled the journeyman. “If that makes a judge of rogues, you ought to be a good’un.” (“Let her alone,

1. The craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a needle and thread.
2. The act or process of working with fabric to create or repair garments or other items.

and discontent I had turned to her for help, as a matter of course. Biddy sat quietly sewing, shedding no more tears, and while I looked at her and thought about it all, it occurred to me

1. A surname of English origin.
2. Slang for someone who is sharp or aggressive.

between breathless curiosity and surprise, to be sure of it. “Very well,” said Mr. Jaggers. “Recollect the admission you have made, and don’t try to go from it presently.” “Who’s a going

1. A wild pig or swine, especially a male one.
2. An uncastrated domestic male pig.

that nothing would serve her but we must have a dinner out of that windfall at the Blue Boar, and that Pumblechook must go over in his chaise-cart, and bring the Hubbles and Mr. Wopsle. It

1. A former British coin worth one twentieth of a pound.
2. The basic monetary unit of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

off. Mr. Pumblechook then put me through my pence-table from “twelve pence make one shilling,” up to “forty pence make three and fourpence,” and then triumphantly demanded, as if he had done

1. A person employed to keep records or accounts in an office.
2. A sales assistant in a store.

to this extreme measure, but for its being Christmas Day and no Sunday. Mr. Wopsle, the clerk at church, was to dine with us; and Mr. Hubble the wheelwright and Mrs. Hubble; and Uncle

1. Causing gloom or depression; dreary.
2. Pitifully inadequate or of low quality.

“Is she?” “Yes, Pip,” said Joe; “and what’s worse, she’s got Tickler with her.” At this dismal intelligence, I twisted the only button on my waistcoat round and round, and looked in great

1. A small establishment providing lodging, food, and drink (often in a rural setting).
2. A tavern or pub.

as he ate it), informed me what arrangements he had made for me. I was to go to “Barnard’s Inn,” to young Mr. Pocket’s rooms, where a bed had been sent in for my accommodation; I was to remain

1. Walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall.
2. Arrange events or payments so they occur at different times.

were a wild beast. It yielded so suddenly at last, that he staggered back upon me, and I staggered back upon the opposite door, and we both laughed. But still I felt as if my eyes must start out

1. Barely; almost not at all.
2. Only just; by a very small margin.

at the ships sailing on, and returned for answer, “Yes; I am not over-particular.” It scarcely sounded flattering, but I knew she meant well. “Instead of that,” said I, plucking up more grass

1. Falling suddenly and uncontrollably.
2. Performing acrobatic flips or rolls.

footstool!” cried Flopson. “And if you keep it under your skirts like that, who’s to help tumbling? Here! Take the baby, Mum, and give me your book.” Mrs. Pocket acted on the advice, and

1. People who operate or own grain mills.
2. A surname of English origin.

of alternately tumbling up and lying down. Under these circumstances, when Flopson and Millers had got the children into the house, like a little flock of sheep, and Mr. Pocket came out of it

1. Replied sharply or wittily in response to a remark.
2. Turned an argument or accusation back against the originator.

“O, Un—cle Pum-ble—chook! This is kind!” Every Christmas Day, he retorted, as he now retorted, “It’s no more than your merits. And now are you all bobbish, and how’s Sixpennorth of

1. A decorative jewelry item designed to be attached to garments with a pin or clasp.
2. An ornamental piece often worn at the neckline or lapel.

have sustained a good many bereavements; for he wore at least four mourning rings, besides a brooch representing a lady and a weeping willow at a tomb with an urn on it. I noticed, too, that

1. The evening meal, typically lighter than dinner.
2. A social gathering where a light evening meal is served.

his bread, with his cheese on it, in the palm of his left hand, and glancing at my untasted supper as if he thought of the time when we used to compare slices. “So might Wopsle. And the Jolly

1. A bird, especially a domesticated one like a chicken, duck, or turkey.
2. Birds collectively, especially those hunted or kept for food.

in the armchair, the bread on the bookshelves, the cheese in the coal-scuttle, and the boiled fowl into my bed in the next room—where I found much of its parsley and butter in a state of

1. A light two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle for one person.
2. Moody, sullen, or silently resentful in behavior.

XXV Bentley Drummle, who was so sulky a fellow that he even took up a book as if its writer had done him an injury, did not take up an

1. Slept lightly or briefly.
2. Napped or rested in a drowsy state.

when the clocks struck six. As there was full an hour and a half between me and daylight, I dozed again; now, waking up uneasily, with prolix conversations about nothing, in my ears; now, making

1. A small square of cloth used for wiping the nose or face.
2. A decorative piece of fabric carried as an accessory.

were not put on, and some lace for her bosom lay with those trinkets, and with her handkerchief, and gloves, and some flowers, and a prayer book all confusedly heaped about the looking glass.

1. An informal term for 'yes' or agreement.
2. A variant of 'yeah,' often used in casual conversation.

Cove, though” (Mr. Wemmick was again apostrophizing), “and you said you could write Greek. Yah, Bounceable! What a liar you were! I never met such a liar as you!” Before putting his late

1. A loose outer garment without sleeves, worn over other clothing.
2. Something that hides or covers, like a disguise or concealment.

all the way as a delicate attention in arranging my streaming hatband, and smoothing my cloak. My thoughts were further distracted by the excessive pride of Mr. and Mrs. Hubble, who were

1. Lower in rank or position (noun/adjective).
2. Someone under the authority of another (noun).

one, may be worth the while of another; that’s my recommendation to you, speaking as a subordinate. Don’t try on useless measures. Why should you? Now, who’s next?” Thus, we walked through

1. A small group of trees, often without undergrowth.
2. A small wooded area or orchard.

may the present promotion of good feeling ever reign predominant among the Finches of the Grove.” The Finches spent their money foolishly (the Hotel we dined at was in Covent Garden), and the

1. Small squares of fabric used for wiping the nose or face.
2. Decorative cloth accessories carried in pockets or purses.

look down on such and would be of opinions as it were wanting in respect.” “Pocket-handkerchiefs out, all!” cried Mr. Trabb at this point, in a depressed businesslike voice.

1. A person who gives help, especially financial aid or support.
2. Someone who donates to a cause or institution.

told him my small story, and laid stress on my being forbidden to inquire who my benefactor was. I further mentioned that as I had been brought up a blacksmith in a country place, and knew

1. Feelings or emotions, often about a particular subject.
2. Opinions or attitudes expressed in words.

XXXVII Deeming Sunday the best day for taking Mr. Wemmick’s Walworth sentiments, I devoted the next ensuing Sunday afternoon to a pilgrimage to the castle. On arriving before

1. With enthusiasm or sincerity.
2. In a hearty or robust manner.

that it tasted like a bad nut, and though the pig might have been farther off, I was heartily pleased with my whole entertainment. Nor was there any drawback on my little turret bedroom,

1. Physical or mental weakness or illness.
2. A condition of frailty or debility, often due to age.

to refer me to Liverpool; “and then in the City of London here. However, having an infirmity—for I am hard of hearing, sir—” I expressed in pantomime the greatest astonishment. “—Yes,

1. Inhabited or visited by ghosts or spirits.
2. Troubled or disturbed persistently by memories, fears, or emotions.

conspiracy with convicts—a feature in my low career that I had previously forgotten. I was haunted by the file too. A dread possessed me that when I least expected it, the file would reappear. I

1. Enough or sufficient in quantity or degree.
2. Adequate to meet a need or requirement.

“Rather, Pip.” “You should be.” “Say rather, I should not be; for I have my letter to Satis House to write, before I go to sleep.” “Recounting tonight’s triumph?” said I. “Surely a very

1. (slang) Short for "what," often used in informal speech or text.
2. (acronym) "Wheel of Time," a fantasy book series by Robert Jordan.

i opE i shAl soN B haBelL 4 2 teeDge U JO aN theN wE shOrl b sO glOdd aN wEn i M preNgtD 2 u JO woT larX an blEvE ME inF xn PiP. There was no indispensable necessity for my communicating with Joe

1. Searching or feeling about uncertainly with the hands.
2. Attempting something clumsily or without clear direction.

new to disguise themselves and baffle recognition. But, at last I began, in a purblind groping way, to read, write, and cipher, on the very smallest scale. One night I was sitting in the

1. A substance that causes a reaction or effect (e.g., a chemical agent).
2. A person or organization acting on behalf of another (e.g., a real estate agent).

and whatnot. Others has done it safe afore, and what others has done afore, others can do agen. As to the where and how of living, dear boy, give me your own opinions on it.” “You take it

1. A folding pocket knife with a blade that swings into the handle.
2. A dive where the body bends at the waist and then straightens.

who had been asleep too, staggered up at the noise I made, and in an instant I saw his jackknife shining in his hand. “Quiet! It’s Herbert!” I said; and Herbert came bursting in, with the airy

1. A companion or associate, especially in shared activities or struggles.
2. A fellow member of a socialist or communist party.

The sergeant took a polite leave of the ladies, and parted from Mr. Pumblechook as from a comrade; though I doubt if he were quite as fully sensible of that gentleman’s merits under arid

1. Creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.
2. A craft or hobby involving making garments or items from yarn.

seated on a settee near the fire, and Estella on a cushion at her feet. Estella was knitting, and Miss Havisham was looking on. They both raised their eyes as I went in, and both saw an

1. A seasoned meat product, typically made from ground meat, often pork, beef, or poultry, stuffed into a casing.
2. A cylindrical-shaped food item, usually cooked or smoked before consumption.

and caution, and our discourse proceeded in a low tone, while I toasted the Aged’s sausage and he buttered the crumb of the Aged’s roll. “Now, Mr. Pip, you know,” said Wemmick, “you and I

1. Small cracks or narrow openings (e.g., in a wall).
2. Offensive slang term for a person of Chinese descent (derogatory).

or thrice more, and it was all in bloom for me. If the green and yellow growth of weed in the chinks of the old wall had been the most precious flowers that ever blew, it could not have been more

1. A bowl-shaped container for holding liquids or washing items.
2. A natural depression in the Earth's surface, often holding water.

supposed it to be, and was anything but easy to find. It was called Mill Pond Bank, Chinks’s Basin; and I had no other guide to Chinks’s Basin than the Old Green Copper Rope-walk. It matters not

1. A covering for the neck and chin, often part of a nun's habit.
2. To cover or wrap with a whimple.

which is another thing), I looked at the plate upon the door, and read there, Mrs. Whimple. That being the name I wanted, I knocked, and an elderly woman of a pleasant and thriving

1. A deep, rough sound made by an animal, like a dog or bear.
2. A low, rumbling noise resembling an animal's growl.

on Mill Pond Bank, by Chinks’s Basin, and the Old Green Copper Rope-walk, with Old Barley growling in the beam—that I would not have undone the engagement between her and Herbert for all the

1. A cereal grain used for food, animal feed, and brewing beer.
2. A hardy grass cultivated in temperate climates.

not his name, Herbert?” “No, no,” said Herbert, “that’s my name for him. His name is Mr. Barley. But what a blessing it is for the son of my father and mother to love a girl who has no

1. Declared not guilty in a legal trial.
2. Freed from a charge or obligation.

for the victim was found throttled.” “Was the woman brought in guilty?” “No; she was acquitted.—My poor Handel, I hurt you!” “It is impossible to be gentler, Herbert. Yes? What else?” “This

1. Thorny shrubs or tangled bushes, often with prickly stems.
2. Wild blackberry or raspberry plants.

the low church wall. As I saw him go, picking his way among the nettles, and among the brambles that bound the green mounds, he looked in my young eyes as if he were eluding the hands of the

1. The floor of a fireplace, often extending into a room.
2. Symbolically represents home or family life.

for it was a long time after, and it was winter and a hard frost. With an alphabet on the hearth at my feet for reference, I contrived in an hour or two to print and smear this epistle: mI deEr

1. Torn or frayed at the edges.
2. Wearing old or tattered clothes.

I knew them both directly. “Mind!” said my convict, wiping blood from his face with his ragged sleeves, and shaking torn hair from his fingers: “I took him! I give him up to you! Mind that!”

1. Past tense and past participle of "wring," meaning to twist or squeeze something to remove liquid.
2. Forced out or extracted by twisting or pressing.

me to feel an indescribable awe as I came out between the open wooden gates where I had once wrung my hair after Estella had wrung my heart. Passing on into the front courtyard, I hesitated

1. Excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements.
2. The quality of being worthless or futile.

which had become a master mania, like the vanity of penitence, the vanity of remorse, the vanity of unworthiness, and other monstrous vanities that have been curses in this world? “Until you

1. A channel or passage for water, often with a gate to control flow.
2. A device used to wash or separate materials, like gold from gravel.

a divergence here and there where a dike came, with a miniature windmill on it and a muddy sluice-gate. When I looked round, I could see the other lights coming in after us. The torches we

1. A furnace or oven for burning limestone to produce lime.
2. A structure used in the process of calcination to create quicklime.

I knew very well, however, that the appointed place was the little sluice-house by the limekiln on the marshes, and the hour nine. Towards the marshes I now went straight, having no time to

1. A furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying, especially for pottery or bricks.
2. A structure used to heat materials to high temperatures in a controlled process.

so even now, and how the mud and ooze were coated with lime, and how the choking vapor of the kiln crept in a ghostly way towards me. Still there was no answer, and I knocked again. No answer

1. Next to or along the side of something.
2. In cooperation or association with someone or something.

loading and unloading goods, and looking immensely high out of the water as we passed alongside; here, were colliers by the score and score, with the coal-whippers plunging off stages on deck,

1. Long poles with flat blades used for rowing boats.
2. The act of propelling a boat using oars.

in the boat growled as if to dogs, “Give way, you!” which was the signal for the dip of the oars. By the light of the torches, we saw the black Hulk lying out a little way from the mud of the

1. A kitchen area on a ship or aircraft.
2. A long, low ship propelled by oars, used especially in ancient times.

better on’t for some reason or another,” said the Jack, “and gone down.” “A four-oared galley, did you say?” said I. “A four,” said the Jack, “and two sitters.” “Did they come ashore here?”

1. Equipped with oars for rowing.
2. Moved or propelled by oars.

shaken hands cordially, and neither Herbert’s eyes nor mine were quite dry, when I saw a four-oared galley shoot out from under the bank but a little way ahead of us, and row out into the same

1. A male member of the clergy, such as a priest, minister, or pastor.
2. An ordained religious leader in a Christian church.

establishment. I conceived the idea that the time when the banns were read and when the clergyman said, “Ye are now to declare it!” would be the time for me to rise and propose a private

1. Calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity.
2. Not easily upset or excited; serene.

the other side of Miss Skiffins. Instantly, Miss Skiffins stopped it with the neatness of a placid boxer, took off that girdle or cestus as before, and laid it on the table. Taking the table to

1. A hyperbolic secant function in mathematics.
2. Short for "section" in some contexts.

all right; that’s agreed upon. Then why go into subjects, old chap, which as betwixt two sech must be forever onnecessary? There’s subjects enough as betwixt two sech, without onnecessary