apeak

or a·peek

[ uh-peek ]

adjective

1. more or less vertical.
2. (of a dropped anchor) as nearly vertical as possible without being free of the bottom.
3. (of an anchored vessel) having the anchor cable as nearly vertical as possible without freeing the anchor.

adverb

1. vertically.

apeak

/ əˈpiːk /

adverb

1. nautical in a vertical or almost vertical position

   with the oars apeak

Word History and Origins

Origin of apeak¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; a- ¹ + peak ¹

Example Sentences

After they had gone on in this way a few minutes, Forester ordered the oars apeak, and put the crew at ease.

From Project Gutenberg

The donkey winch soon began its work, and I felt the great anchor at length break away and come apeak.

From Project Gutenberg

Apeak, when the cable is hove taut, so as to bring the vessel nearly over the anchor.

From Project Gutenberg

Both parties appeared for some seconds as if spellbound, and the oars on both rafts were for a while held “apeak.”

From Project Gutenberg

Their anchors were apeak, and they were ready to get under way at a moment's notice.

From Project Gutenberg