·adv On all sides; around.
II. About ·prep Around; all round; on every side of.
III. About ·prep In concern with; engaged in; intent on.
IV. About ·prep On the point or verge of; going; in act of.
V. About ·adv Here and there; around; in one place and another.
VI. About ·prep Concerning; with regard to; on account of; touching.
VII. About ·prep Near; not far from;
— determining approximately time, size, quantity.
VIII. About ·prep In the immediate neighborhood of; in contiguity or proximity to; near, as to place; by or on (one's person).
IX. About ·adv In circuit; circularly; by a circuitous way; around the outside; as, a mile about, and a third of a mile across.
X. About ·prep Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.
XI. About ·adv To a reserved position; half round; in the opposite direction; on the opposite tack; as, to face about; to turn one's self about.
XII. About ·adv Nearly; approximately; with close correspondence, in quality, manner, degree, ·etc.; as, about as cold; about as high;
— also of quantity, number, time.