·adv Behind a ship; in the rear.
II. Astern ·adv In or at the hinder part of a ship; toward the hinder part, or stern; backward; as, to go astern.
Any distance behind a vessel; in the after-part of the ship; in the direction of the stern, and ther...
The Sailor's Word-Book
Causing a ship to recede or go backwards, by heaving on a cable or other rope fastened to some fixed...
To slacken a ship's way, so as to suffer another one to pass beyond her. Also, distancing a competit...
To lessen a ship's way so as to allow another to get ahead of her. To be driven backwards. ...