A*back" (#), adv. [Pref. a- + back; AS. on baec at, on, or toward the back. See Back.]

1.

Toward the back or rear; backward.

"Therewith aback she started."

Chaucer.

2.

Behind; in the rear.

Knolles.

3. Naut.

Backward against the mast;-said of the sails when pressed by the wind.

Totten.

To be taken aback. (a) To be driven backward against the mast; -- said of the sails, also of the ship when the sails are thus driven. (b) To be suddenly checked, baffled, or discomfited.

Dickens.

 

© Webster 1913.


Ab"ack (#), n.

An abacus.

[Obs.]

B. Jonson.

 

© Webster 1913.

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