Category:Aloof

A*loof", n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: Same as Alewife.

A*loof", adv. Etym: [Pref. a- + loof, fr. D. loef luff, and so meaning, as a nautical word, to the windward. See Loof, Luff.]

1. At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away. Our palace stood aloof from streets. Dryden.

2. Without sympathy; unfavorably. To make the Bible as from the hand of God, and then to look at it aloof and with caution, is the worst of all impieties. I. Taylor.

A*loof", prep.

Defn: Away from; clear from. [Obs.] Rivetus. . . would fain work himself aloof these rocks and quicksands. Milton.