aback — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. Towards the back or rear; backwards.

   Usage

   • Geordie
   • Archaic
   • not-comparable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   The mild, though licentious reign, of Louis the Sixteenth, threw France far aback, in her ambitious career; but it gave birth to that revolution, wherein, her warlike propensities and territorial resources were unfolded with tenfold efficacy.

   Then stopped, and bounded aback, and away as if in fear, / That I saw her no more; then I wondered though sitting close anear / Was a she-wolf great and grisly.

   hoyed aback o' the fire

2. In the rear; a distance behind.

   Usage

   • Archaic
   • not-comparable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   There are so many canes upon Reliance that the labourers could not cut those aback, as they prefer cutting those in front. The cane fields aback were in cultivation last year.

3. By surprise; startled; dumbfounded. (see usage)

   Usage

   • not-comparable

   Examples

   I would rather board a hundred of the enemy's frigates, than steer my boat into a fleet of modest women, for a modest woman never fails to take me aback.

4. Backward against the mast; said of the sails when pressed by the wind from the "wrong" (forward) side, or of a ship when its sails are set that way.

   Usage

   • not-comparable

   Examples

   Q. Was not the Trident at that time aback with one or more Top-sails? A. To the best of my Knowledge she had both Top-sails aback.

   As the anchor fetches her up, she will swing head to wind, bringing the head sails aback.

   More examples (1)

   Then the sails on the mainmast were backing and we started getting stern way. Eagle was caught aback.

Noun

1. An inscribed stone square.

   Usage

   • Early
   • Modern
   • Obsolete

   Examples

   In the Centre, or midst of the Pegm, there was an Aback, or Square, wherein this Elogy was written.

Adverb

1. having the wind against the forward side of the sails

   Examples

   the ship came up into the wind with all yards aback

2. by surprise

   Examples

   taken aback by the caustic remarks