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fore and aft

Pronunciation: /fɔːr(ə)ndˈɑːft/

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
  • backwards and forwards:a sperm whale cannot see directly fore and aft

adjective

[attributive]
  • 1backwards and forwards:the fore-and-aft motion of the handles
  • 2(of a sail or rigging) set lengthwise, not on the yards.
  • 3North American (of a road) constructed of logs laid end to end.
  • 4 historical (of a man’s hat) having three corners and a peak at the front and back.

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 US English dictionary

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