ABACK


Meaning of ABACK in English

adv.

Pronunciation: ə - ' bak

Function: adverb

Date: before 12th century

1 archaic : BACKWARD , BACK

2 : in a position to catch the wind upon the forward surface (as of a sail)

3 : by surprise : UNAWARES <was taken aback by her sharp retort>

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.