What does "abaft" mean?

1. (at the back of a ship) at or toward the back part of a ship. 2. (behind something on a ship) behind a specific part of a ship.

abaft

1 at the back of a ship (adv.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

at or toward the back part of a ship.

located in or toward the stern of a vessel.

Example

The captain stood on the deck and looked abaft at the trail in the water.

Example

The crew gathered abaft to secure the rigging as the storm intensified near the stern.
- aft
- astern
- forward
- ahead
2 behind something on a ship (prep.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

behind a specific part of a ship.

further aft than or behind a specific object or position on a vessel.

Example

The lifeboats are located abaft the main mast.

Example

The modern radar equipment was installed abaft the funnel to ensure an unobstructed view of the horizon.
- behind
- aft of
- before
- ahead of

Origin

From Middle English obaft, baft, baften, from Old English beæftan; be (“by”) (modern English by) + æftan (“behind”) (modern English after). See also aft.

Usage

Commonly used with 'the' and a specific part of the ship (e.g., 'abaft the beam').