adv. Obs. 4–7. [ABOUT A 11 and B 6 + -WARD.] Striving, trying, contriving, tending towards;—shading off, as it became obsolete, into the mere idea of being about to, going.
c. 1400. Sir Tryam., 65. Syr Marrok … Was faste aboutewarde To do hys lady gyle.
a. 1440. Sir Eglamour, 658. Thou art abouteward, Y undurstonde To wynne alle Artas of myn honde.
1524. State Papers Hen. VIII., IV. 257. Suche Counsaillours … wolde be aboutewarde to distroy and putte doune noble men.
1534. trans. Pol. Verg., Eng. Hist., II. 128. The earle of Warweke … was than at hys owne towne aboutward to come very shortly unto the camp.
1611. Speed, Hist. Brit., IX. xxi. 96. All those that shall bee aboutwards to stop vs in the said pilgrimage.
