abaft

[ uh-baft, uh-bahft ]

preposition

1. to the rear of; aft of:

   the fife rail abaft the mainmast.

adverb

1. in the direction of the stern; astern; aft.

abaft

/ əˈbɑːft /

adverb

1. closer to the stern than to another place on a vessel

   with the wind abaft

preposition

1. behind; aft of

   abaft the mast

Word History and Origins

Origin of abaft¹

1225–75; Middle English on baft, abaft, equivalent to a- ¹ and on on + baft, Old English bæftan contraction of be + æftan. See by aft ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of abaft¹

C13: on baft; baft from Old English beæftan, from be by + æftan behind

Example Sentences

The corvette stood on the opposite tack until well abaft the beam.

From Project Gutenberg

Their leading ship a little abaft our lee-beam, distant one league.

From Project Gutenberg

After that Tom led the way to the cook's galley, a mere closet of a place just abaft the foremast.

From Project Gutenberg

A little abaft her beam a tugboat was blowing one long and two short, indicating her tow.

From Project Gutenberg

Christy gave his mother and sister places on the sofa abaft of the wheel, and then looked into the position of the steamer.

From Project Gutenberg