"in or at the back part of a ship" (opposed to forward), 1590s, from Middle English on baft (Old English on bæftan) "backwards." The second component is itself a compound of be "by" (see by) and æftan "aft" (see aft). The word has been saved by the sailors (the stern being the "after" part of a vessel), the rest of the language having left it in Middle English.
双语例句
1. Ships with square sails sail fairly efficiently with the wind abaft.
装着横帆的船只随风疾驰.
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2. Be careful the mule is a vicious beast, not safe abaft the beam.
当心,骡子是一种险恶的畜牲, (站在)它后面不安全.
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3. The huge bull caught him abaft the wheel - house and slammed him in the air.
