2 uses
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Definition
find out, learn, or determine with certainty (usually by making an effort)
- But not so did it seem to Ahab, who knew the sets of all tides and currents; and thereby calculating the driftings of the sperm whale's food; and, also, calling to mind the regular, ascertained seasons for hunting him in particular latitudes; could arrive at reasonable surmises, almost approaching to certainties, concerning the timeliest day to be upon this or that ground in search of his prey.Chapters 43-45 -- Hark!; The Chart; The Affidavit (11% in)
- Soon that peculiar odor, sometimes to a great distance given forth by the living sperm whale, was palpable to all the watch; nor was any mariner surprised when, after inspecting the compass, and then the dog-vane, and then ascertaining the precise bearing of the odor as nearly as possible, Ahab rapidly ordered the ship's course to be slightly altered, and the sail to be shortened.Chapters 133-135 -- The Chase--First Day; The Chase--Second Day; The Chase--Third Day (1% in)
There are no more uses of "ascertain" in Moby Dick.
Typical Usage
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