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fore and aft

Syllabification: (fore and aft)
Definition of fore and aft

adverb

  • at the front and rear (often used with reference to a ship or plane):we’re moored fore and aft
  • backward and forward:a sperm whale cannot see directly fore and aft

adjective

[attributive]
  • backward and forward:the fore-and-aft motion of the handles
  • (of a hat, especially one worn as part of a uniform) having three corners and a brim at the front and back:we were in full dress, with fore-and-aft hats and swords
  • (of a sail or rigging) set lengthwise, not on transverse yards:a fore-and-aft-rigged yacht

Origin:

early 17th century: perhaps translating a phrase of Low German origin; compare with Dutch van voren en van achteren

fore and aft in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of fore and aft in the British & World English dictionary

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