A*loof" (#), n. Zool.
Same as Alewife.
© Webster 1913.
A*loof", adv. [Pref. a- + loof, fr. D. loef luff, and so meaning, as a nautical word, to the windward. See Loof, Luff.]
1.
At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away.
Our palace stood aloof from streets.
Dryden.
2.
Without sympathy; unfavorably.
To make the Bible as from the hand of God, and then to look at it aloof and with caution, is the worst of all impieties.
I. Taylor.
© Webster 1913.
A*loof" (#), prep.
Away from; clear from.
[Obs.]
Rivetus . . . would fain work himself aloof these rocks and quicksands.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.