aback

3 definitions found

aback - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Aback \A*back"\ ([.a]*b[a^]k"), adv. [Pref. a- + back; AS. on
     b[ae]c at, on, or toward the back. See Back.]
     1. Toward the back or rear; backward. "Therewith aback she
        started." --Chaucer.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Behind; in the rear. --Knolles.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Naut.) Backward against the mast; -- said of the sails
        when pressed by the wind. --Totten.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
            [1913 Webster]

  Aback \Ab"ack\ ([a^]b"ak), n.
     An abacus. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
     [1913 Webster]

aback - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  aback
      adv 1: having the wind against the forward side of the sails;
             "the ship came up into the wind with all yards aback"
      2: by surprise; "taken aback by the caustic remarks"