from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Down \Down\, prep. [From {Down}, adv.]
1. In a descending direction along; from a higher to a lower
place upon or within; at a lower place in or on; as, down
a hill; down a well.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence: Towards the mouth of a river; towards the sea; as,
to sail or swim down a stream; to sail down the sound.
[1913 Webster]
{Down the country}, toward the sea, or toward the part where
rivers discharge their waters into the ocean.
{Down the sound}, in the direction of the ebbing tide; toward
the sea.
[1913 Webster]