alow

¹ American  

[uh-loh] / əˈloʊ /

adverb

Nautical.

1. below decks.

2. (on a square-rigged sailing ship) in the lower rigging, specifically, below the lower yards (opposed to aloft).

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alow ² American  

[uh-loh] / əˈloʊ /

Or alowe

adjective

Northern British Dialect.

1. ablaze; aflame.

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alow British  

/ əˈləʊ /

adverb

1. (postpositive) nautical in or into the lower rigging of a vessel, near the deck

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Etymology

Origin of alow¹

1350–1400; earlier, downward, lower down, Middle English aloue; see a- ¹, low ¹

Origin of alow²

1150–1200; Middle English o loghe, a lowe; see a- ¹, low ³

Example Sentences

The Social Security Administration’s policy will alow people to select their sex in records “without needing to provide documentation of their sex designation,” Ms. Kijakazi said.

From New York Times • Oct. 19, 2022

The last I saw of her, absolutely wrecked alow and aloft, her whole midships blazing and fuming.

From The Childrens' Story of the War, Volume 2 (of 10) From the Battle of Mons to the Fall of Antwerp. by Parrott, James Edward

"All alone," said I. "Broach me every barrel aboard if ever I see sich a vessel," he cried, his astonishment rising with the searching glances he directed aloft and alow.

From The Frozen Pirate by Russell, W. Clark (William Clark)

I is de cap’n; suppose you is fear, go alow, sar.”

From Medical Life in the Navy by Stables, Gordon

All was drawing alow and aloft; everyone was in the bravest spirits, because we were now so near an end of the first part of our adventure.

From Treasure Island by Winter, Milo