Aback

Sails are said to be „ Aback ” if caught by the wind on their front, and forced against the masts, but as this can only apply to square sails; i. e.: sails attached to yards; and not to fore and aft-sails; the term is more correctly used, when sails are acted upon by the wind in such manner as to stop or le en the headway of the ve el; and cause her either to go astern, or about.