adv. and prep. Naut. [f. A prep.1 + WEATHER.]
A. adv. Towards the weather or windward side, in the direction from which the wind blows; esp. in helm a-weather (see quot. 1867); opposed to a-lee. B. prep., short for a-weather of.
1599. Hakluyt, Voy., II. II. 47. And keepe a weather our places of traffique.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Wks., III. 38/2. Hauing much adoe to get out aweather of him.
1666. Lond. Gaz., No. 31/4. The Conquerors … helmed a weather, and stood for the Southward Cape.
1762–9. Falconer, Shipwr., II. 171. Bear up the helm a-weather! Rodmond cries: Swift at the word the helm a-weather flies.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., A-weather. The position of the helm when its tiller is moved to the windward side of the ship.
