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avast

[ uh-vast, uh-vahst ]

verb (imperative)

, Nautical.
  1. (used as a command to stop or cease):

    Avast heaving!



avast

/ əˈvɑːst /

sentence substitute

  1. nautical stop! cease!
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of avast1

1675–85; perhaps < Dutch houd vast hold fast ( hold 1, fast 1 )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of avast1

C17: perhaps from Dutch hou'vast hold fast
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Example Sentences

“Avast there, Jane,” laughed out Sam, much pleased at the way in which his sister had received me.

"Avast heaving, reverend man, and quit this folly," said the strange; dragging the bewildered Padre after him.

What would the mate of a French frigate say if he wanted to say in French, "Avast there, ye lubbering swab" to a friend like?

In a few minutes the second mate came up, hallooing to us to "avast," and laughing.

And so they watched the evolutions of the gulls for a few minutes, till Josh called out “Avast!”

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