A‐back″ (ȧ‐băk″), adv. [Pref. a- + back; AS. on bæc at, on, or toward the back. See Back.] 1. Toward the back or rear; backward. “Therewith aback she started.” Chaucer.
2. Behind; in the rear. Knolles.
3. (Naut.) Backward against the mast; — said of the sails when pressed by the wind. Totten.
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.