aback /əˈbæk/adverb 4noun 1forms 1phrases 3 adverb4 •pressed against the mast by wind that blows on the front side of the sails, used of sails or of a ship whose sails are set this wayQ. 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. — 1757 •By surprise; startled; dumbfounded. (see usage)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. — 1808 •(no longer used) toward the place behind someone or somethingThen 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. — 1889 •(no longer used) at some distance behindThere 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. — 1840 noun1 •(no longer used) An inscribed stone square.In the Centre, or midst of the Pegm, there was an Aback, or Square, wherein this Elogy was written. — 1604 formsabacks Phrases with aback brace abackto bring the wind onto the forward side of the sails to slow the ship set abackTo startle or shock; to render (someone) confused or disconcerted. take abackTo surprise or shock; to discomfit.
