avast
Americanverb
Etymology
Origin of avast
1675–85; perhaps < Dutch houd vast hold fast ( see hold 1, fast 1)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Look, to be honest with you, I am an avast carnivore, but I really adhere to the Southeast Asian model of meat eating.
From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2021
He answered questions so unhesitatingly, in such swift accents, that the shorthand reporters had to ask him to avast and go more slowly.
From Time Magazine Archive
Come, avast, belay the lanyards of your jaws, and let's have no more of it, d' ye see.
From The Fall of British Tyranny American Liberty Triumphant by Montrose Jonas Moses
"Avast, avast a bit"—sung out one of the topmen—"let the nobs heave a head, will ye, and let's have a pull."
From Tom Cringle's Log by Michael Scott
But, avast, my shipmate!—as my poor man used to say- -there 'tis just the same.
From The Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid by Thomas Hardy
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
