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
But, avast there; we are drifting off soundings.
From The Knight of the Golden Melice A Historical Romance by John Turvill Adams
“Gently, boys—there’s her eddy—two strokes more—now avast pulling!”
From Peter the Whaler by Henry Austin
Tell 'em to avast dreaming of their lassies.
From Moby Dick: or, the White Whale by Herman Melville
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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.
