Side by side, parallel, or opposite to; generally used in opposition to abaft or afore.
♦ Line abreast means a fleet advancing or retreating uniformly on a line parallel with the beam.
♦ Abreast of a place, is directly off it; a direction at right angles with the keel or ship's length. In the army the term was formerly used for any number of men in front; but at present they are determined by files.
♦ Abreast. Within-board, signifies on a parallel with the beam.