avast

Definition

Hold fast!; cease!; stop!

Etymology

Probably borrowed from Dutch hou vast, houd vast (“hold fast!”), from houd (imperative of houden, “to hold”) + vast (“fast, firm, tight”, adverb). Doublet of hold fast.

Example Sentences

• "Then pull avvay, hoa up, hoa up, hoa up, ſo avaſt there, Sir."
• "Avaſt, brother, avaſt! ſheer off—Yo ho! you turnkey, vvhy don't you keep a better look out? here's one of your crazy priſoners broke from his laſhings, I do ſuppoſe."
• "[T]he sail went into the water, and he could not drag it in. "Avast heaving," said Gascoigne, "till I throw her up and take the wind out of it.""

Related Words