advb. phr. [A prep.1 + PORT.] On or towards the port side of the ship, or the left side when looking forward. To put the helm a-port (= ‘to port the helm’): to move the rudder to the starboard side, making the ship turn to the right.
1627. Capt. Smith, Seaman’s Gram., v. 24. The haling them is called the Topping the Lifts, as top a starboard, or top a port.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Wks., III. 39/2. Making them both to beare vp, the one aport, and the other a starbord.
1795. Nelson, in Nicolas, Disp., II. 13. Braced up our after-yards, put the helm a-port, and stood after her again.
