Astern \A*stern"\, adv. [Pref. a- + stern.] (Naut.)
1. In or at the hinder part of a ship; toward the hinder
part, or stern; backward; as, to go astern.
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2. Behind a ship; in the rear. "A gale of wind right astern."
--De Foe. "Left this strait astern." --Drake.
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{To bake astern}, to go stern foremost.
{To be astern of the reckoning}, to be behind the position
given by the reckoning.
{To drop astern}, to fall or be left behind.
{To go astern}, to go backward, as from the action of
currents or winds.
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