a weak timber; a weak rope

I thought my nephew a fool ; I now know that he is a doosed sensible fellow, and the luckiest dog in Christendom — luckiest dog in Christendom, I declare.

Without entering further into detail of all that took place at that remarkable interview, in which Mr. Bremner stated it was not his opinion only, but that of Mr. Crew and all on board, suffice it to say, Mr. Bremner's alarms were solely founded upon the belief that the ship would overleak the pumps, as she had in the engine-room and fore hold on that day's trial.

No one ever called Elizabeth Tannenbaum stunning, but most men found her attractive. Hardly anyone called her Elizabeth, either. An Elizabeth was regal, cool, an eyecatching beauty. A Betsy was pleasant to look at, a tiny bit overweight, capable, but still fun to be with. Betsy suited her just fine.