about ship

intransitive verb

: tack
—usually used as an order

Word History

Etymology

from the imperative phrase about ship, from about entry 1 + ship entry 1

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of about ship was in 1678

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Dictionary Entries Near about ship

about good

about ship

about-turn

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“About ship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/about%20ship. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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