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aback Definition

aback (ə bak)

adverb

  1. Archaic backward; back
  2. Naut. backward against the mast, as the sails of a square-rigged vessel in a wind from straight ahead

Etymology: OE on bæc, at or on the back

aback Idioms

taken aback

  1. Naut. in an unmanageable condition, as because of a sudden shift of wind to the opposite side of the sails
  2. startled and confused

Browse dictionary entries near aback

  1. abaci
  2. abacá
  3. aba
  4. ab-
  5. ab ovo
  6. ab intra
  7. ab initio
  8. Abélard
  9. Ab
  10. AAV
  1. abacus
  2. abacuses
  3. Abadán
  4. Abaddon
  5. abaft
  6. abalone
  7. abandon
  8. abandoned
  9. abandoned property
  10. abandonee