aloftadv.prep.

Brit.

/əˈlɒft/, U.S.

/əˈlɔft/,

/əˈlɑft/

Forms:

α. Chiefly northern and north midlands early Middle English o lofft ( Ormulum), Middle English oloft, Middle English o-loft, Middle English o loft, Middle English olofte, Middle English o-lofte, Middle English o lofte.

β. Middle English aloffte, Middle English a-loffte, Middle English a loffte, Middle English a-loufte, Middle English (1500s in print of lost Middle English MS) a-lofte, Middle English 1600s alloft, Middle English 1600s alofft, Middle English–1500s a loft, Middle English–1600s alofte, Middle English–1600s a lofte, Middle English–1700s a-loft, Middle English– aloft; Scottish pre-1700 a-laft, pre-1700 alloft, pre-1700 alofte, pre-1700 1700s– aloft, 1700s– alaft.

Origin: A variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: on loft at loft n. 2a.

Etymology: < on loft at loft n. 2a, with reduction of the first element (with α. forms compare o , variant of on prep.; with β. forms compare a prep.¹). Compare Old Icelandic á lopt (of motion) into the sky, (up) into the air, á lopti (of position) in the sky, (up) in the air ( < á on (see on prep.) + lopt loft n.). Compare lift n.¹ and discussion at that entry.

A. adv. In several senses this word could be interpreted as a predicative adjective.

I. Senses relating to location and orientation.

a. Above, high up; at a high elevation in relation to an observer; overhead.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > high position > [adverb]

upc888

highOE

highlyOE

thereupc1000

anovenOE

overOE

boveOE

on, upon (the) lofta1100

aloftc1175

bibufennc1175

on higha1200

abovec1225

anovenonc1300

in heighta1340

on or upon height1340

ahighc1350

outh1389

over loftc1430

aheight1477

supernally1596

lofty-like1604

sublimely1625

way up1843

thereabove1891

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 11961 Wiþþ utenn o þe temmple..þær wass greȝȝþedd sæte o lofft.

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iv. l. 817 (MED) Hih alofte Upon a Tour.

c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 1183 For þe borȝ watȝ so bygge baytayled alofte.

c1460 (a1449) J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1934) ii. 816 (MED) The egle a-loffte, the snayl goth lowe doun.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms ciii. 8 Then are the hilles sene alofte.

1594 L. Lewkenor tr. O. de la Marche Resolued Gentleman f. 22 Glystering aloft, [the vanes] shewed all the passers by, that there was the schoole and practise of Vertue and Learning.

1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia iii. 106 Their Vinias to the wall they brought, Couerd with greene turfes all aloft.

1648 S. Danforth Almanack 9 Forsaken Truth..groweth here,..Whose pleasant sight aloft hath many fed.

1715 A. Pope Temple of Fame 41 Fame sits aloft, and points them out their Course.

1786 G. Cartwright Jrnl. Resid. Coast Labrador 2 Aug. (1792) I. 197 In the evening, there was much fog aloft.

1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps ii. §8. 265 Vast masses of granite are thus poised aloft on icy pedestals.

1920 Herald of Gospel Liberty 10 June 565/1 Sometimes also an earthen vase was set aloft on the chimney top.

1992 Mail on Sunday (Nexis) 25 Oct. 16 Perched aloft on these rusting relics, a jubilant soldier bids goodbye at last to the Cold War.

b. In heaven. Cf. sense A. 8b, on high at high adj. and n.² Phrases 3.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > sky, heavens > [adverb]

alofta1400

aerially1812

the world > the supernatural > deity > heaven > [adverb] > in Heaven

in the highestOE

on higha1200

abovea1325

alofta1400

within the veil1528

up there1938

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 2086 (MED) He sittes wit drightin hei o loft [Fairf. on-loft; Gött. in heuen].

1574 St. Avstens Manuell in Certaine Prayers S. Augustines Medit. sig. qiiij^v The day spring hath visited vs from aloft.

1598 G. Chapman tr. Homer Seauen Bks. Iliades vii. 85 But conquest's garlands hang aloft, amongst th' immortal Gods.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 210 From aloft, Almighty Jove surveys Earth, Air, and Shoars, and navigable Seas.

1790 C. Dibdin Coll. Songs I. 154 There's a sweet little cherub that sits up aloft, To keep watch for the life of poor Jack.

1859 Gospel Herald Sept. 1959 169 We believe there is a Great Pilot aloft who directs the course of our bark.

1921 Standard Nov. 91/1 For his radical rejection of the god aloft and apart,..Dr. Crapsey will be called an ‘atheist’ by the orthodox.

1994 Swimming Times Sept. 21/1 It was as if some malign spirits up aloft were tilting every cloud and pouring it down in cloudfulls.

†c. On horseback, or on a chariot (and therefore having an elevated position relative to a person on foot). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > [adverb] > on horseback

on horsea1325

on horseback1390

on steed-backc1400

alofta1425

ahorseback?1473

horseback1727

ahorse1805

saddleback1899

society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > [adverb] > in a horse-drawn vehicle

aloft1654

a1425 (?c1350) Ywain & Gawain (1964) l. 2532 Þan sighed Ywain wonder-oft, Unnethes might he syt oloft.

1654 J. Ussher Ann. World (1658) v. 43 Besides those which fought aloft from the Chariots.

1719 E. Young Busiris i. 2 Have we not seen him shake his Silver Reins O'er Harness'd Monarchs, to his Chariot yok'd? In sullen Majesty they stalk along,..While He aloft displays his impious State.

1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad (ed. 2) II. v. 47 In fields, aloft, the whirling car to guide, And thro' the ranks of death triumphant ride.

†2. figurative.

a. With reference to a concept, a phenomenon, etc.: in a condition of prevalence, or increased force or power; (more neutrally) in existence or in evidence; afoot. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adverb] > in or to a greater quantity, amount, or degree > in superior quantity, amount, or degree

aloftc1330

predominately1594

predominantly1606

prevailingly1714

preponderately1789

preponderantly1823

preponderatingly1841

predominatingly1852

c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1248 (MED) He made his play [= music] aloft, His gammes he gan kiþe.

c1350 How Good Wife taught her Daughter (Emmanuel) (1948) l. 52 Ȝif þou be on eni stede þar god drinke is alofte.

a1400 Siege Jerusalem (Laud) (1932) l. 1080 (MED) Vpon eche side our sorow is a-lofte.

1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Love in W. W. Skeat Chaucerian & Other Pieces (1897) 92 Kyndely heven, whan mery weder is a-lofte, apereth..in blewe.

1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. ii. xlvii. 24 The Sun both raiseth, and also laieth, the windes. At rising and setting he causeth them to be aloft.

a1642 H. Best Farming & Memorandum Bks. (1984) 80 If there bee any winds aloft without raine, the grownd will sadden and the fields waxe dry.

1693 R. Fleming Disc. Earthquakes 104 That horrid Profession which is so much aloft in these times of judicial Astrology.

b. In a leading, dominant, or exalted position; in power; with authority; of high rank or station. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > honour > [adverb] > in an honoured position

alofta1393

uppermost1526

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iv. l. 2216 (MED) He that stant to day alofte..Tomorwe he falleth.

c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. Prol. l. 157 We myȝte be lordes aloft.

a1555 H. Latimer 27 Serm. (1562) ii. f. 132^v Bylney..was induced..to beare a fagotte at the tyme when the Cardinal was aloft, and bare the swynge.

1592 W. Wyrley Capitall de Buz in True Vse Armorie 108 Thus coy fortune sourts, Some now aloft and then cast downe we see.

1622 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1622–3 (1908) 147 They are nowe aloft and soare in pride.

1851 R. Hussey Rise Papal Power i. 20 A high and mighty personage seated aloft somewhere.

1881 in W. Gregor Folk-lore N.E. Scotl. 112 As lang's this stane stands on this craft The name of Keith shall be alaft; But when this stane begins t' fa' The name of Keith shall wear awa'.

c. In a loud voice; loudly. Also: in a lofty tone; loftily. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > pride > [adverb]

sideOE

highOE

proudlyOE

proudc1384

moodilyc1400

highlya1425

orgulousa1470

strutlyc1480

orgulouslya1500

loftily1548

stoutlya1554

state1579

garishly1593

pridefullya1600

aloft1613

great1625

pridinglya1677

Olympically1839

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. l. 169 (MED) Musique..techeth..A man to make melodie Be vois..Thurgh notes of acordement, The whiche men pronounce alofte.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 2785 (MED) Ful demurly, lowe and nat a-lofte..with sobre wordis softe.

1569 S. Batman tr. O. de la Marche Trauayled Pylgrime sig. K.iv^v They spake aloft as egerly, as they could both in yre.

1592 R. T. Prettie Newe Ballad: Crowe vpon Wall (single sheet) If the goodwife speake aloft, See that you then speake soft.

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage vi. xii. 531 The Inhabitants of the Cities in Barbary..are irregular in their life and actions, exceedingly subiect to choler, speake aloft and prowdley, [etc.].

1784 E. Brydges in Poems (1807) 23 While some aërial beings sighing soft Round once-lov'd Maids their guardian wishes plead: Spirits of Torment shrilly speak aloft.

1869 A. Beaufort Erin's Hope 34 Infidelity unblushing speaks Aloft as it had never dar'd before In Christian senates.

a. In a vertical or upright position; pointing upwards; (sometimes spec.) on one's feet. Now rare.

ΚΠ

c1330 Horn Child l. 773 in J. Hall King Horn (1901) 188 (MED) Þai riden..Wiþ spere oloft & goinfaynoun, Malkan king to mete.

tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) iv. l. 80 (MED) A sadder vyne a bigger stake olofte Mot holde.

a1475 (a1450) Tournam. of Tottenham (Harl.) (1930) l. 169 (MED) Þe boyes were so wery for-fught Þat þay myȝt not fyȝt mare oloft, But creped þen about.

1580 J. Lyly Euphues (new ed.) To Rdrs. sig. ¶ii A feather,..sette a loft in a woemans hatte.

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xix. 147/2 Slope your pike, is to draw the But end of the pike (being shouldred) almost to the ground and the point aloft.

1713 T. Parnell in Guardian 15 May 2/1 The Bully seemed a Dunghil Cock, he crested well, and bore his Comb aloft.

1844 Illuminated Mag. 2 14/2 The tress is held aloft, clinging by the extreme points to his high-exalted brush.

1888 St. Nicholas Dec. 134/1 The tall young pine stood aloft, its candle ablaze.

1907 P. FitzPatrick Jock of Bushveld (ed. 7) 356 He kept his tail aloft.

†b. With reference to a building, town, or other structure: still standing; not having fallen down or been destroyed. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 7^v To this souerayne Citie þat yet was olofte Iason ioynid.

1788 European Mag. Aug. 97 The mould'ring Castle's antient eagle tower, Which proudly yet aloft retains its power.

1839 E. S. Wortley Sonnets 24 Old tottering Castles still aloft descried Hint of dark feudal ages.

c. With reference to an object, a person's hand, etc.: in the air, above a person's head (by virtue of being held up by that person). Usually with verbs of holding, carrying, etc.

ΚΠ

1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 73 The holding vp aloft a siluer Ewre, after washing.

1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. iii. 206 Thrice have they seen your Sword aloft Wav'd o're their heads.

1703 P. Motteux et al. tr. M. de Cervantes Hist. Don Quixote IV. lxix. 686 Six old Duenaes..appeared in the Court marching in a formal Procession.., and all with their right hands held aloft.

1813 D. Bryan Adventures of Daniel Boone vii, in Mountain Muse 218 He brandishes aloft a reeking axe, Snatched from the grasp of an expiring Peer.

1862 Index (Boston) 25 Sept. He bore aloft the riddled flag of the 3rd Alabama.

1908 C. Wells Marjorie's Busy Days i. 8 ‘The bear, the bear!’ screamed Kingdon, and swimming a few strokes along the soft, green grass, he grabbed the bear and waved him aloft.

1997 J. Noon Nymphomation (1998) 280 He grinned over Jazir and Daisy's breakfast, holding proudly aloft a golden loo-brush.

4. Nautical. At the higher part of a vessel, rather than on deck; esp. on or around the masts, rigging, or upper yards of a vessel. Also: on deck, as opposed to below. Opposed to alow adv.¹ 3. Cf. sense A. 10.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > parts of vessels > part of vessel above water > [adverb]

aloft?a1400

topside1899

up top1917

society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > [adverb]

aloft?a1400

?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 169 (MED) Þe saile was hie o loft.

1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. cclxiiii^v Our sayles ar a loft Our shyp fleys swyftly.

1644 H. Mainwaring Sea-mans Dict. at Riders Are great timbers (in howld, or else aloft) which are..bolted on..to strengthen.

1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World iii. 30 We had bad weather that requir'd many hands aloft.

1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I. at Fore-castle That part of the Fore-castle which is aloft, and not in the Hold, is called the Prow.

1762 W. Falconer Shipwreck ii. 27 The order's given, the yard aloft is sway'd.

1836 F. Marryat Mr. Midshipman Easy I. xiii. 239 The men had come from aloft, and Jack was summoned on deck.

1863 T. P. Shaffner Hist. U.S.A. II. iii. xii. 185/2 The Constellation, though much damaged aloft, sustained no serious injury in her hull.

1903 Sat. Rev. 27 June 815/1 An unfortunate upper yardman made some blunder aloft.

2000 M. Kneale Eng. Passengers (2001) i. 6 The boys were scampering aloft to let go a sheet or two and catch the wind.

†5. On or at the highest point or uppermost surface; at the top; on top. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surface > [adverb]

abovec1300

upon1307

superficially?a1425

aloft?1440

superficiarily1631

peripherically1792

peripherally1852

the world > space > relative position > high position > [adverb] > at or on the top

aloft?1440

acop1612

atop1653

apically1870

tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) i. l. 1088 So that the flaume vpbende The cellis [of a beehive] forto chere and chaufe olofte.

?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xli They cast and ley grauell a loft.

1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Eng. 61/2 in Chron. I And aloft therevppon shee had a thicke Irish mantell.

1668 H. More Two Last Dialogues iv. xxxiv. 191 Where's your oil now..that floats aloft?

1675 Accomplish'd Lady's Delight 263 Lay in a layer of Flesh, and a layer of Lard, and butter aloft.

1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad VI. xxiv. 997 Forth to the Pile was born the Man divine, And plac'd aloft.

1723 H. Rowlands Mona Antiqua Restaurata iii. 10 The trees of the lighter sort swimming aloft, and the heavier ones..trailing in the Bottom.

1830 A. Ganilh Odes & Fugitive Poetry 8 I swim aloft with pale affright, As the land sinks beneath my sight.

a. With reference to the moon, a star, etc.: visible in the sky.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > heavenly body > position of heavenly body > [adverb] > altitude

upc888

aloftc1450

c1450 (?a1422) J. Lydgate Life Our Lady (Durh.) (1961) v. l. 470 For this day, a-lofte [a1500 Adv. aloft] was the sterre.

a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) l. 3104 (MED) Lyk as the bodyes [i.e. the planets] hih a-loffte Lyst ordeyne.

1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry ii. f. 53^v The Moone being aloft, and not sette.

1621 G. Markham Hungers Preuention 60 Any other time of the day when the Sunne is aloft.

1706 S. Garth Dispensary (ed. 6) iv. 66 The Clouds aloft with golden Edgings glow.

1798 Hezekiah King of Judah i. 9 Thy great abilities, above the rest Of mortals, shine like stars aloft.

1858 Friend 18 Dec. 114/2 A golden sun hangs aloft in the sky.

1938 W. de la Mare Memory & Other Poems 32 Fulling moon aloft doth ride.

1995 P. Anderson in G. Benford Far Futures 78 The sun went under the cloud deck. A crescent moon stood aloft.

b. With reference to a bird, an aircraft, etc.: in flight; in the air, having left the ground.

ΚΠ

?1537 Hugh of Caumpedene tr. Hist. Kyng Boccus cxviii. sig. Ti^v Whan the fowle is a lofte His wynges styreth he ofte.

1620 J. Brinsley tr. Virgil De Apibus in Eclogues 110 (margin) You shall now see aloft a troupe [of bees].

1739 Gentleman's Mag. May 263/2 These birds aloft, these flocks which feed beside.

1790 May-day i. 4 Sweet sing the birds aloft in air, Or to the bower hover near.

1835 R. Mant Brit. Months II. x. 398 Unus'd aloft to soar, but fleet With oarage of the handlike feet.

1916 ‘Peter’ Trench Yarns 10 A certain airman had engine trouble up aloft and had to come down behind the German lines. Of course they snaffled him.

1996 T. Clancy Executive Orders xli. 559 America still had three photographic satellites aloft, each making two passes per day over the areas of interest.

2000 L. Crane Ninth Day of Creation 557 The blades were not turning fast enough to keep the helicopter aloft.

†7. Originally: at a location nearer the source of a river; upriver. Later: at a more northerly location; spec. in the more northern part of a sea. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the earth > geodetic references > [adverb] > latitude

downwarda1387

downwards1577

high1662

aloft1805

latitudinally1853

a1667 P. Mundy Trav. (1925) IV. 94 Great Floates of tymber driving downe the streame, which is the ordinary way of Transportation off Timber, wood, etts., From the Country alofftt.

1697 in H. Kelsey Papers (1929) 77 The tent of Indians..went away to go up the river to hunt geese..but finding the river broak up aloft returned.

1778 in Cumberland & Hudson House Jrnls. 1775–82 (1951) 1st Ser. XIV. 265 He has accompanied two of the Canadian Traders..with Ten Canoes going up aloft.

1785 J. Drinkwater Hist. Siege Gibraltar v. 163 A Spanish squadron.., also arrived the same day at Algeziras, from aloft.

1805 Ld. Nelson in Disp. & Lett. (1846) VI. 477 The Frigates are ordered from aloft [i.e. the upper part of the Mediterranean] to join you.

II. Senses relating to direction.

a. To or towards a higher place, level, or position; upward; to a position above the observer. Also: into the sky; into the air.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > specific directions > [adverb] > in upward direction > to the sky or air

upc888

aloftc1175

to skyward1582

skyward1655

skywards1755

cloudward1817

starward1818

airward1820

zenithward1835

airwards1852

cloudwards1856

skywardly1893

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 11823 Crist..þolede þe deofell. To brinngenn himm heȝhe upp o lofft.

?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 274 (MED) Þe erles of Scotlond had reysed baner oloft.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. l. 5921 (MED) Ne wolde..þe flawme vp ascende alofte.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 74 The grekes..Layn ladders alenght & oloft wonnen.

a1592 R. Greene Frier Bacon (1594) sig. B3^v A whirlewind..mounted me aloft vnto the cloudes.

a1649 R. Holdsworth Vigilant Servant i, in Valley of Vision (1651) 388 The proud man looks aloft, his eyes are high.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 226 With expanded wings he stears his flight Aloft .

a1731 D. Defoe New Voy. round World in Wks. (1840) VII. 207 Blow her aloft in the air.

1791 W. Bartram Trav. N. & S. Carolina iv. i. 492 A young Indian..looking aloft as if struck with astonishment.

1876 H. James Roderick Hudson ix. 305 Miss Garland gazed awhile aloft into the dome.

1877 W. Lytteil Landmarks Sc. Life & Lang. ii. ii. 88 A steep bluff crag..towers aloft.

1909 H. de V. Stacpoole Pools of Silence (1910) xxx. 224 Adams had swung the man aloft and dashed him against the wall.

1962 Listener 29 Mar. 540/1 You are sure to have enough warning to launch your missiles and get your bombers aloft.

2008 New Yorker 21 Apr. 107/2 Traction elevators..are typically borne aloft by six or eight hoist cables.

b. To heaven. Cf. sense A. 1b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the supernatural > deity > heaven > [adverb] > to Heaven

aloftc1390

to kingdom come1752

c1390 in F. J. Furnivall Minor Poems Vernon MS (1901) ii. 475 (MED) Þi loue..þat bringeþ vs alle o-loft.

a1450 R. Spaldyng Katereyn in Anglia (1907) 30 543 (MED) Þan was lufly Katereyn lyft vp o-loft.

1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia ix. 358 Yet the soule aloft aspires.

1692 J. Barnes in E. Walker tr. Epictetus Enchiridion Introd. His rich Soul aloft did soar.

1704 E. Ward Journey to Hell III. 10 High-Church Religion,..Is that alone which carries Souls aloft.

1789 C. Dibdin Tom Bowling (song) For though his body's under hatches, His soul is gone aloft.

1845 Visitor Dec. 433/1 He soars aloft from the Mount of Olives to his eternal home.

1918 J. Thurber Let. 16 July (2002) 16 I was lifted aloft to places where cherubim twitters by a 12 page answer from Colorado Springs.

1998 Chatanooga (Tennessee) Times Free Press (Nexis) 11 Apr. b6 The feisty Mother Madalyn wants nothing so much as to hear the heavenly choir before she's born aloft to heaven.

9. figurative. To a more favourable position; esp. to a leading, dominant, or exalted position. Also in later use: so as to become happier or more positive. †to look aloft: to aspire, be ambitious (obsolete).

ΚΠ

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 11849 Te laþe gast. Aȝȝ eggeþþ hise þeowwess. To draȝhenn hemm aȝȝ upp o lofft.

a1400 Psalter (Vesp.) lxxiv. 7 in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1896) II. 207 (MED) Þis mekes he ful ofte, And þis vpheues he olofte.

a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) i. l. 915 Some han feyned..And þus þei wolden han brought hem self a lofte.

a1533 J. Frith Against Rastel (?1535–6) sig. Cv^v Yf the remnaunts of synne fortune at any tyme to lokke a loft and begine to rayne, then he sendeth some cross of adversytie or sycknes to helpe to suppresse them.

1567 J. Jewel Def. Apol. Churche Eng. iv. iii. §2. 426 But afterwarde the Popes beganne to looke alofte.

1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 113 Antonius..after the death of Julius Cæsar began to looke aloft.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 96 New ways I must attempt, my groveling Name To raise aloft, and wing my flight to Fame.

1734 Weekly Amusem. 8 Feb. 355 Some few aloft on fortune's wheel do go.

1836 J. Gilbert Christian Atonem. ii. 58 The very principles which bore aloft your spirits.

1898 M. R. Kâle & M. B. Gujar tr. Bhartṛhari Nîtiśataka & Vairâgyaśataka 51 You are a king, we too are raised aloft by our pride for the wisdom acquired from the preceptor whom we served.

1992 R. B. Verlag tr. I. Kertész Kaddish for Unborn Child 86 The deadly merry-go-a round, which first dips me in my anguish only to raise me aloft.

2004 S. James Fallen Angel xv All his spirits soared aloft, this bride who came cold and icy into a marriage..was a woman he had never known the likes of before.

10. Nautical. To or towards the higher part of a vessel, above the deck; up the masts or rigging, or to the upper yards of a vessel.

ΚΠ

1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos iv. sig. L.ij Set sayles aloft, make out with ores.

1629 J. Gaule Distractions 210 Come a loft Jack.

1745 Gentleman's Mag. Apr. 177/2 I bid him look aloft, and see whether I could make any more sail.

1764 W. Falconer Shipwreck (new ed.) ii. 52 The sailors climb aloft and man each yard.

1813 R. Southey Life Nelson iii. 82 So cut up, that she could not get a topmast aloft during the night.

1840 F. Marryat Poor Jack xxii. 153 At the time that he was pointed out to me by the second mate he was looking up aloft.

1910 Blackwood's Mag. Aug. 170/1 He ordered him aloft with a bucket of grease to ‘slush down’ the mast.

2002 D. Lundy Way of Ship (2003) 4 They went aloft a hundred feet or more on icy ratlines and footropes.

B. prep.

On top of; upon, on; at a greater elevation than; above, over.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > high position > high upon [preposition] > over or above

boveeOE

abovec1175

aloftc1400

atour1423

c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 1648 (MED) Þenne þay teldet tablez trestes alofte, Kesten cloþez vpon.

c1450 (c1350) Alexander & Dindimus (Bodl.) (1929) l. 134 (MED) Everi grenegrowe tre..Hadde bremliche a brid þe braunchus alofte.

1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure xxxviii. iii Alofte the basse toure foure ymages stode.

1587 G. Turberville Tragicall Tales f. 190^v Aloft their shirts they weare a garment iocket wise.

1600 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliad xix. 93 They bear her still aloft men's heads.

?1613 T. Campion Two Bks. Ayres i. xiv. sig. E2^v Aloft the trees..Our silent Harps wee pensiue hung.

a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iv. ii. 139 But now I breath againe Aloft the flood.

1836 W. MacGillivray Descr. Rapacious Birds Great Brit. 96 Beautiful truly it is, to see the eagle sweeping aloft the hill side.

1950 M. Peake Gormenghast xxxviii. 233 A pale sun like a ball of pollen was hung aloft an empty and faded sky.

2000 Sleazenation Dec. 55/1 Two thirty-something Dutch fashion designers..tap dancing Fred Astaire-ly aloft the catwalk.

Phrases

† to come aloft: to jump into the air, to perform a vaulting, juggling, or tumbling trick; (of an animal, esp. a performing animal) to leap to command. Frequently as an imperative. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

?1552 T. Churchyard Playn & Fynall Confut. f. 1 Now turne syr beast and come aloft, fling not for fear of whip: in dede it is a monstruse thing, to see a camell skippe.

1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 158 b He [sc. the horse] chaufeth & champeth vpon the bridle, commeth a loft, yorketh out with his heeles behind.

1624 P. Massinger Bond-man iii. iii. sig. F4 If this hold, I'le teach you To come aloft, and doe tricks like an Ape.

1721 R. Neve Hocus Pocus (ed. 2) sig. A5 The Operator..must also have his Terms of Art..And these odd kind of Speeches must be various, according to the Action he undertakes; as. Hey, Fortuna, furia, nun-quam credo, pass pass; when come you Sirrah? Or this Way, Hey Jack, come aloft for your Master's Advantage.

1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein II. vii. 231 You might as well expect to see one of our bears come aloft and do tricks like a jackanapes, as one of us stubborn old Germans play the feats of a French..host.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2012; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	aloft
释义	aloftadv.prep. Brit. /əˈlɒft/, U.S. /əˈlɔft/, /əˈlɑft/ Forms: α. Chiefly northern and north midlands early Middle English o lofft ( Ormulum), Middle English oloft, Middle English o-loft, Middle English o loft, Middle English olofte, Middle English o-lofte, Middle English o lofte. β. Middle English aloffte, Middle English a-loffte, Middle English a loffte, Middle English a-loufte, Middle English (1500s in print of lost Middle English MS) a-lofte, Middle English 1600s alloft, Middle English 1600s alofft, Middle English–1500s a loft, Middle English–1600s alofte, Middle English–1600s a lofte, Middle English–1700s a-loft, Middle English– aloft; Scottish pre-1700 a-laft, pre-1700 alloft, pre-1700 alofte, pre-1700 1700s– aloft, 1700s– alaft. Origin: A variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: on loft at loft n. 2a. Etymology: < on loft at loft n. 2a, with reduction of the first element (with α. forms compare o , variant of on prep.; with β. forms compare a prep.¹). Compare Old Icelandic á lopt (of motion) into the sky, (up) into the air, á lopti (of position) in the sky, (up) in the air ( < á on (see on prep.) + lopt loft n.). Compare lift n.¹ and discussion at that entry. A. adv. In several senses this word could be interpreted as a predicative adjective. I. Senses relating to location and orientation. 1. a. Above, high up; at a high elevation in relation to an observer; overhead. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > high position > [adverb] upc888 highOE highlyOE thereupc1000 anovenOE overOE boveOE on, upon (the) lofta1100 aloftc1175 bibufennc1175 on higha1200 abovec1225 anovenonc1300 in heighta1340 on or upon height1340 ahighc1350 outh1389 over loftc1430 aheight1477 supernally1596 lofty-like1604 sublimely1625 way up1843 thereabove1891 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 11961 Wiþþ utenn o þe temmple..þær wass greȝȝþedd sæte o lofft. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iv. l. 817 (MED) Hih alofte Upon a Tour. c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 1183 For þe borȝ watȝ so bygge baytayled alofte. c1460 (a1449) J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1934) ii. 816 (MED) The egle a-loffte, the snayl goth lowe doun. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms ciii. 8 Then are the hilles sene alofte. 1594 L. Lewkenor tr. O. de la Marche Resolued Gentleman f. 22 Glystering aloft, [the vanes] shewed all the passers by, that there was the schoole and practise of Vertue and Learning. 1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia iii. 106 Their Vinias to the wall they brought, Couerd with greene turfes all aloft. 1648 S. Danforth Almanack 9 Forsaken Truth..groweth here,..Whose pleasant sight aloft hath many fed. 1715 A. Pope Temple of Fame 41 Fame sits aloft, and points them out their Course. 1786 G. Cartwright Jrnl. Resid. Coast Labrador 2 Aug. (1792) I. 197 In the evening, there was much fog aloft. 1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps ii. §8. 265 Vast masses of granite are thus poised aloft on icy pedestals. 1920 Herald of Gospel Liberty 10 June 565/1 Sometimes also an earthen vase was set aloft on the chimney top. 1992 Mail on Sunday (Nexis) 25 Oct. 16 Perched aloft on these rusting relics, a jubilant soldier bids goodbye at last to the Cold War. b. In heaven. Cf. sense A. 8b, on high at high adj. and n.² Phrases 3. ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > sky, heavens > [adverb] alofta1400 aerially1812 the world > the supernatural > deity > heaven > [adverb] > in Heaven in the highestOE on higha1200 abovea1325 alofta1400 within the veil1528 up there1938 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 2086 (MED) He sittes wit drightin hei o loft [Fairf. on-loft; Gött. in heuen]. 1574 St. Avstens Manuell in Certaine Prayers S. Augustines Medit. sig. qiiij^v The day spring hath visited vs from aloft. 1598 G. Chapman tr. Homer Seauen Bks. Iliades vii. 85 But conquest's garlands hang aloft, amongst th' immortal Gods. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 210 From aloft, Almighty Jove surveys Earth, Air, and Shoars, and navigable Seas. 1790 C. Dibdin Coll. Songs I. 154 There's a sweet little cherub that sits up aloft, To keep watch for the life of poor Jack. 1859 Gospel Herald Sept. 1959 169 We believe there is a Great Pilot aloft who directs the course of our bark. 1921 Standard Nov. 91/1 For his radical rejection of the god aloft and apart,..Dr. Crapsey will be called an ‘atheist’ by the orthodox. 1994 Swimming Times Sept. 21/1 It was as if some malign spirits up aloft were tilting every cloud and pouring it down in cloudfulls. †c. On horseback, or on a chariot (and therefore having an elevated position relative to a person on foot). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > [adverb] > on horseback on horsea1325 on horseback1390 on steed-backc1400 alofta1425 ahorseback?1473 horseback1727 ahorse1805 saddleback1899 society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > [adverb] > in a horse-drawn vehicle aloft1654 a1425 (?c1350) Ywain & Gawain (1964) l. 2532 Þan sighed Ywain wonder-oft, Unnethes might he syt oloft. 1654 J. Ussher Ann. World (1658) v. 43 Besides those which fought aloft from the Chariots. 1719 E. Young Busiris i. 2 Have we not seen him shake his Silver Reins O'er Harness'd Monarchs, to his Chariot yok'd? In sullen Majesty they stalk along,..While He aloft displays his impious State. 1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad (ed. 2) II. v. 47 In fields, aloft, the whirling car to guide, And thro' the ranks of death triumphant ride. †2. figurative. a. With reference to a concept, a phenomenon, etc.: in a condition of prevalence, or increased force or power; (more neutrally) in existence or in evidence; afoot. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adverb] > in or to a greater quantity, amount, or degree > in superior quantity, amount, or degree aloftc1330 predominately1594 predominantly1606 prevailingly1714 preponderately1789 preponderantly1823 preponderatingly1841 predominatingly1852 c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1248 (MED) He made his play [= music] aloft, His gammes he gan kiþe. c1350 How Good Wife taught her Daughter (Emmanuel) (1948) l. 52 Ȝif þou be on eni stede þar god drinke is alofte. a1400 Siege Jerusalem (Laud) (1932) l. 1080 (MED) Vpon eche side our sorow is a-lofte. 1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Love in W. W. Skeat Chaucerian & Other Pieces (1897) 92 Kyndely heven, whan mery weder is a-lofte, apereth..in blewe. 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. ii. xlvii. 24 The Sun both raiseth, and also laieth, the windes. At rising and setting he causeth them to be aloft. a1642 H. Best Farming & Memorandum Bks. (1984) 80 If there bee any winds aloft without raine, the grownd will sadden and the fields waxe dry. 1693 R. Fleming Disc. Earthquakes 104 That horrid Profession which is so much aloft in these times of judicial Astrology. b. In a leading, dominant, or exalted position; in power; with authority; of high rank or station. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > honour > [adverb] > in an honoured position alofta1393 uppermost1526 a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iv. l. 2216 (MED) He that stant to day alofte..Tomorwe he falleth. c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. Prol. l. 157 We myȝte be lordes aloft. a1555 H. Latimer 27 Serm. (1562) ii. f. 132^v Bylney..was induced..to beare a fagotte at the tyme when the Cardinal was aloft, and bare the swynge. 1592 W. Wyrley Capitall de Buz in True Vse Armorie 108 Thus coy fortune sourts, Some now aloft and then cast downe we see. 1622 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1622–3 (1908) 147 They are nowe aloft and soare in pride. 1851 R. Hussey Rise Papal Power i. 20 A high and mighty personage seated aloft somewhere. 1881 in W. Gregor Folk-lore N.E. Scotl. 112 As lang's this stane stands on this craft The name of Keith shall be alaft; But when this stane begins t' fa' The name of Keith shall wear awa'. c. In a loud voice; loudly. Also: in a lofty tone; loftily. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pride > [adverb] sideOE highOE proudlyOE proudc1384 moodilyc1400 highlya1425 orgulousa1470 strutlyc1480 orgulouslya1500 loftily1548 stoutlya1554 state1579 garishly1593 pridefullya1600 aloft1613 great1625 pridinglya1677 Olympically1839 a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. l. 169 (MED) Musique..techeth..A man to make melodie Be vois..Thurgh notes of acordement, The whiche men pronounce alofte. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 2785 (MED) Ful demurly, lowe and nat a-lofte..with sobre wordis softe. 1569 S. Batman tr. O. de la Marche Trauayled Pylgrime sig. K.iv^v They spake aloft as egerly, as they could both in yre. 1592 R. T. Prettie Newe Ballad: Crowe vpon Wall (single sheet) If the goodwife speake aloft, See that you then speake soft. 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage vi. xii. 531 The Inhabitants of the Cities in Barbary..are irregular in their life and actions, exceedingly subiect to choler, speake aloft and prowdley, [etc.]. 1784 E. Brydges in Poems (1807) 23 While some aërial beings sighing soft Round once-lov'd Maids their guardian wishes plead: Spirits of Torment shrilly speak aloft. 1869 A. Beaufort Erin's Hope 34 Infidelity unblushing speaks Aloft as it had never dar'd before In Christian senates. 3. a. In a vertical or upright position; pointing upwards; (sometimes spec.) on one's feet. Now rare. ΚΠ c1330 Horn Child l. 773 in J. Hall King Horn (1901) 188 (MED) Þai riden..Wiþ spere oloft & goinfaynoun, Malkan king to mete. tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) iv. l. 80 (MED) A sadder vyne a bigger stake olofte Mot holde. a1475 (a1450) Tournam. of Tottenham (Harl.) (1930) l. 169 (MED) Þe boyes were so wery for-fught Þat þay myȝt not fyȝt mare oloft, But creped þen about. 1580 J. Lyly Euphues (new ed.) To Rdrs. sig. ¶ii A feather,..sette a loft in a woemans hatte. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xix. 147/2 Slope your pike, is to draw the But end of the pike (being shouldred) almost to the ground and the point aloft. 1713 T. Parnell in Guardian 15 May 2/1 The Bully seemed a Dunghil Cock, he crested well, and bore his Comb aloft. 1844 Illuminated Mag. 2 14/2 The tress is held aloft, clinging by the extreme points to his high-exalted brush. 1888 St. Nicholas Dec. 134/1 The tall young pine stood aloft, its candle ablaze. 1907 P. FitzPatrick Jock of Bushveld (ed. 7) 356 He kept his tail aloft. †b. With reference to a building, town, or other structure: still standing; not having fallen down or been destroyed. Obsolete. ΚΠ c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 7^v To this souerayne Citie þat yet was olofte Iason ioynid. 1788 European Mag. Aug. 97 The mould'ring Castle's antient eagle tower, Which proudly yet aloft retains its power. 1839 E. S. Wortley Sonnets 24 Old tottering Castles still aloft descried Hint of dark feudal ages. c. With reference to an object, a person's hand, etc.: in the air, above a person's head (by virtue of being held up by that person). Usually with verbs of holding, carrying, etc. ΚΠ 1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 73 The holding vp aloft a siluer Ewre, after washing. 1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. iii. 206 Thrice have they seen your Sword aloft Wav'd o're their heads. 1703 P. Motteux et al. tr. M. de Cervantes Hist. Don Quixote IV. lxix. 686 Six old Duenaes..appeared in the Court marching in a formal Procession.., and all with their right hands held aloft. 1813 D. Bryan Adventures of Daniel Boone vii, in Mountain Muse 218 He brandishes aloft a reeking axe, Snatched from the grasp of an expiring Peer. 1862 Index (Boston) 25 Sept. He bore aloft the riddled flag of the 3rd Alabama. 1908 C. Wells Marjorie's Busy Days i. 8 ‘The bear, the bear!’ screamed Kingdon, and swimming a few strokes along the soft, green grass, he grabbed the bear and waved him aloft. 1997 J. Noon Nymphomation (1998) 280 He grinned over Jazir and Daisy's breakfast, holding proudly aloft a golden loo-brush. 4. Nautical. At the higher part of a vessel, rather than on deck; esp. on or around the masts, rigging, or upper yards of a vessel. Also: on deck, as opposed to below. Opposed to alow adv.¹ 3. Cf. sense A. 10. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > parts of vessels > part of vessel above water > [adverb] aloft?a1400 topside1899 up top1917 society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > [adverb] aloft?a1400 ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 169 (MED) Þe saile was hie o loft. 1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. cclxiiii^v Our sayles ar a loft Our shyp fleys swyftly. 1644 H. Mainwaring Sea-mans Dict. at Riders Are great timbers (in howld, or else aloft) which are..bolted on..to strengthen. 1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World iii. 30 We had bad weather that requir'd many hands aloft. 1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I. at Fore-castle That part of the Fore-castle which is aloft, and not in the Hold, is called the Prow. 1762 W. Falconer Shipwreck ii. 27 The order's given, the yard aloft is sway'd. 1836 F. Marryat Mr. Midshipman Easy I. xiii. 239 The men had come from aloft, and Jack was summoned on deck. 1863 T. P. Shaffner Hist. U.S.A. II. iii. xii. 185/2 The Constellation, though much damaged aloft, sustained no serious injury in her hull. 1903 Sat. Rev. 27 June 815/1 An unfortunate upper yardman made some blunder aloft. 2000 M. Kneale Eng. Passengers (2001) i. 6 The boys were scampering aloft to let go a sheet or two and catch the wind. †5. On or at the highest point or uppermost surface; at the top; on top. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surface > [adverb] abovec1300 upon1307 superficially?a1425 aloft?1440 superficiarily1631 peripherically1792 peripherally1852 the world > space > relative position > high position > [adverb] > at or on the top aloft?1440 acop1612 atop1653 apically1870 tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) i. l. 1088 So that the flaume vpbende The cellis [of a beehive] forto chere and chaufe olofte. ?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xli They cast and ley grauell a loft. 1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Eng. 61/2 in Chron. I And aloft therevppon shee had a thicke Irish mantell. 1668 H. More Two Last Dialogues iv. xxxiv. 191 Where's your oil now..that floats aloft? 1675 Accomplish'd Lady's Delight 263 Lay in a layer of Flesh, and a layer of Lard, and butter aloft. 1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad VI. xxiv. 997 Forth to the Pile was born the Man divine, And plac'd aloft. 1723 H. Rowlands Mona Antiqua Restaurata iii. 10 The trees of the lighter sort swimming aloft, and the heavier ones..trailing in the Bottom. 1830 A. Ganilh Odes & Fugitive Poetry 8 I swim aloft with pale affright, As the land sinks beneath my sight. 6. a. With reference to the moon, a star, etc.: visible in the sky. ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > heavenly body > position of heavenly body > [adverb] > altitude upc888 aloftc1450 c1450 (?a1422) J. Lydgate Life Our Lady (Durh.) (1961) v. l. 470 For this day, a-lofte [a1500 Adv. aloft] was the sterre. a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) l. 3104 (MED) Lyk as the bodyes [i.e. the planets] hih a-loffte Lyst ordeyne. 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry ii. f. 53^v The Moone being aloft, and not sette. 1621 G. Markham Hungers Preuention 60 Any other time of the day when the Sunne is aloft. 1706 S. Garth Dispensary (ed. 6) iv. 66 The Clouds aloft with golden Edgings glow. 1798 Hezekiah King of Judah i. 9 Thy great abilities, above the rest Of mortals, shine like stars aloft. 1858 Friend 18 Dec. 114/2 A golden sun hangs aloft in the sky. 1938 W. de la Mare Memory & Other Poems 32 Fulling moon aloft doth ride. 1995 P. Anderson in G. Benford Far Futures 78 The sun went under the cloud deck. A crescent moon stood aloft. b. With reference to a bird, an aircraft, etc.: in flight; in the air, having left the ground. ΚΠ ?1537 Hugh of Caumpedene tr. Hist. Kyng Boccus cxviii. sig. Ti^v Whan the fowle is a lofte His wynges styreth he ofte. 1620 J. Brinsley tr. Virgil De Apibus in Eclogues 110 (margin) You shall now see aloft a troupe [of bees]. 1739 Gentleman's Mag. May 263/2 These birds aloft, these flocks which feed beside. 1790 May-day i. 4 Sweet sing the birds aloft in air, Or to the bower hover near. 1835 R. Mant Brit. Months II. x. 398 Unus'd aloft to soar, but fleet With oarage of the handlike feet. 1916 ‘Peter’ Trench Yarns 10 A certain airman had engine trouble up aloft and had to come down behind the German lines. Of course they snaffled him. 1996 T. Clancy Executive Orders xli. 559 America still had three photographic satellites aloft, each making two passes per day over the areas of interest. 2000 L. Crane Ninth Day of Creation 557 The blades were not turning fast enough to keep the helicopter aloft. †7. Originally: at a location nearer the source of a river; upriver. Later: at a more northerly location; spec. in the more northern part of a sea. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > the earth > geodetic references > [adverb] > latitude downwarda1387 downwards1577 high1662 aloft1805 latitudinally1853 a1667 P. Mundy Trav. (1925) IV. 94 Great Floates of tymber driving downe the streame, which is the ordinary way of Transportation off Timber, wood, etts., From the Country alofftt. 1697 in H. Kelsey Papers (1929) 77 The tent of Indians..went away to go up the river to hunt geese..but finding the river broak up aloft returned. 1778 in Cumberland & Hudson House Jrnls. 1775–82 (1951) 1st Ser. XIV. 265 He has accompanied two of the Canadian Traders..with Ten Canoes going up aloft. 1785 J. Drinkwater Hist. Siege Gibraltar v. 163 A Spanish squadron.., also arrived the same day at Algeziras, from aloft. 1805 Ld. Nelson in Disp. & Lett. (1846) VI. 477 The Frigates are ordered from aloft [i.e. the upper part of the Mediterranean] to join you. II. Senses relating to direction. 8. a. To or towards a higher place, level, or position; upward; to a position above the observer. Also: into the sky; into the air. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > specific directions > [adverb] > in upward direction > to the sky or air upc888 aloftc1175 to skyward1582 skyward1655 skywards1755 cloudward1817 starward1818 airward1820 zenithward1835 airwards1852 cloudwards1856 skywardly1893 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 11823 Crist..þolede þe deofell. To brinngenn himm heȝhe upp o lofft. ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 274 (MED) Þe erles of Scotlond had reysed baner oloft. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. l. 5921 (MED) Ne wolde..þe flawme vp ascende alofte. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 74 The grekes..Layn ladders alenght & oloft wonnen. a1592 R. Greene Frier Bacon (1594) sig. B3^v A whirlewind..mounted me aloft vnto the cloudes. a1649 R. Holdsworth Vigilant Servant i, in Valley of Vision (1651) 388 The proud man looks aloft, his eyes are high. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 226 With expanded wings he stears his flight Aloft . View more context for this quotation a1731 D. Defoe New Voy. round World in Wks. (1840) VII. 207 Blow her aloft in the air. 1791 W. Bartram Trav. N. & S. Carolina iv. i. 492 A young Indian..looking aloft as if struck with astonishment. 1876 H. James Roderick Hudson ix. 305 Miss Garland gazed awhile aloft into the dome. 1877 W. Lytteil Landmarks Sc. Life & Lang. ii. ii. 88 A steep bluff crag..towers aloft. 1909 H. de V. Stacpoole Pools of Silence (1910) xxx. 224 Adams had swung the man aloft and dashed him against the wall. 1962 Listener 29 Mar. 540/1 You are sure to have enough warning to launch your missiles and get your bombers aloft. 2008 New Yorker 21 Apr. 107/2 Traction elevators..are typically borne aloft by six or eight hoist cables. b. To heaven. Cf. sense A. 1b. ΘΚΠ the world > the supernatural > deity > heaven > [adverb] > to Heaven aloftc1390 to kingdom come1752 c1390 in F. J. Furnivall Minor Poems Vernon MS (1901) ii. 475 (MED) Þi loue..þat bringeþ vs alle o-loft. a1450 R. Spaldyng Katereyn in Anglia (1907) 30 543 (MED) Þan was lufly Katereyn lyft vp o-loft. 1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia ix. 358 Yet the soule aloft aspires. 1692 J. Barnes in E. Walker tr. Epictetus Enchiridion Introd. His rich Soul aloft did soar. 1704 E. Ward Journey to Hell III. 10 High-Church Religion,..Is that alone which carries Souls aloft. 1789 C. Dibdin Tom Bowling (song) For though his body's under hatches, His soul is gone aloft. 1845 Visitor Dec. 433/1 He soars aloft from the Mount of Olives to his eternal home. 1918 J. Thurber Let. 16 July (2002) 16 I was lifted aloft to places where cherubim twitters by a 12 page answer from Colorado Springs. 1998 Chatanooga (Tennessee) Times Free Press (Nexis) 11 Apr. b6 The feisty Mother Madalyn wants nothing so much as to hear the heavenly choir before she's born aloft to heaven. 9. figurative. To a more favourable position; esp. to a leading, dominant, or exalted position. Also in later use: so as to become happier or more positive. †to look aloft: to aspire, be ambitious (obsolete). ΚΠ c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 11849 Te laþe gast. Aȝȝ eggeþþ hise þeowwess. To draȝhenn hemm aȝȝ upp o lofft. a1400 Psalter (Vesp.) lxxiv. 7 in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1896) II. 207 (MED) Þis mekes he ful ofte, And þis vpheues he olofte. a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) i. l. 915 Some han feyned..And þus þei wolden han brought hem self a lofte. a1533 J. Frith Against Rastel (?1535–6) sig. Cv^v Yf the remnaunts of synne fortune at any tyme to lokke a loft and begine to rayne, then he sendeth some cross of adversytie or sycknes to helpe to suppresse them. 1567 J. Jewel Def. Apol. Churche Eng. iv. iii. §2. 426 But afterwarde the Popes beganne to looke alofte. 1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 113 Antonius..after the death of Julius Cæsar began to looke aloft. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 96 New ways I must attempt, my groveling Name To raise aloft, and wing my flight to Fame. View more context for this quotation 1734 Weekly Amusem. 8 Feb. 355 Some few aloft on fortune's wheel do go. 1836 J. Gilbert Christian Atonem. ii. 58 The very principles which bore aloft your spirits. 1898 M. R. Kâle & M. B. Gujar tr. Bhartṛhari Nîtiśataka & Vairâgyaśataka 51 You are a king, we too are raised aloft by our pride for the wisdom acquired from the preceptor whom we served. 1992 R. B. Verlag tr. I. Kertész Kaddish for Unborn Child 86 The deadly merry-go-a round, which first dips me in my anguish only to raise me aloft. 2004 S. James Fallen Angel xv All his spirits soared aloft, this bride who came cold and icy into a marriage..was a woman he had never known the likes of before. 10. Nautical. To or towards the higher part of a vessel, above the deck; up the masts or rigging, or to the upper yards of a vessel. ΚΠ 1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos iv. sig. L.ij Set sayles aloft, make out with ores. 1629 J. Gaule Distractions 210 Come a loft Jack. 1745 Gentleman's Mag. Apr. 177/2 I bid him look aloft, and see whether I could make any more sail. 1764 W. Falconer Shipwreck (new ed.) ii. 52 The sailors climb aloft and man each yard. 1813 R. Southey Life Nelson iii. 82 So cut up, that she could not get a topmast aloft during the night. 1840 F. Marryat Poor Jack xxii. 153 At the time that he was pointed out to me by the second mate he was looking up aloft. 1910 Blackwood's Mag. Aug. 170/1 He ordered him aloft with a bucket of grease to ‘slush down’ the mast. 2002 D. Lundy Way of Ship (2003) 4 They went aloft a hundred feet or more on icy ratlines and footropes. B. prep. On top of; upon, on; at a greater elevation than; above, over. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > high position > high upon [preposition] > over or above boveeOE abovec1175 aloftc1400 atour1423 c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 1648 (MED) Þenne þay teldet tablez trestes alofte, Kesten cloþez vpon. c1450 (c1350) Alexander & Dindimus (Bodl.) (1929) l. 134 (MED) Everi grenegrowe tre..Hadde bremliche a brid þe braunchus alofte. 1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure xxxviii. iii Alofte the basse toure foure ymages stode. 1587 G. Turberville Tragicall Tales f. 190^v Aloft their shirts they weare a garment iocket wise. 1600 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliad xix. 93 They bear her still aloft men's heads. ?1613 T. Campion Two Bks. Ayres i. xiv. sig. E2^v Aloft the trees..Our silent Harps wee pensiue hung. a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iv. ii. 139 But now I breath againe Aloft the flood. View more context for this quotation 1836 W. MacGillivray Descr. Rapacious Birds Great Brit. 96 Beautiful truly it is, to see the eagle sweeping aloft the hill side. 1950 M. Peake Gormenghast xxxviii. 233 A pale sun like a ball of pollen was hung aloft an empty and faded sky. 2000 Sleazenation Dec. 55/1 Two thirty-something Dutch fashion designers..tap dancing Fred Astaire-ly aloft the catwalk. Phrases † to come aloft: to jump into the air, to perform a vaulting, juggling, or tumbling trick; (of an animal, esp. a performing animal) to leap to command. Frequently as an imperative. Obsolete. ΚΠ ?1552 T. Churchyard Playn & Fynall Confut. f. 1 Now turne syr beast and come aloft, fling not for fear of whip: in dede it is a monstruse thing, to see a camell skippe. 1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 158 b He [sc. the horse] chaufeth & champeth vpon the bridle, commeth a loft, yorketh out with his heeles behind. 1624 P. Massinger Bond-man iii. iii. sig. F4 If this hold, I'le teach you To come aloft, and doe tricks like an Ape. 1721 R. Neve Hocus Pocus (ed. 2) sig. A5 The Operator..must also have his Terms of Art..And these odd kind of Speeches must be various, according to the Action he undertakes; as. Hey, Fortuna, furia, nun-quam credo, pass pass; when come you Sirrah? Or this Way, Hey Jack, come aloft for your Master's Advantage. 1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein II. vii. 231 You might as well expect to see one of our bears come aloft and do tricks like a jackanapes, as one of us stubborn old Germans play the feats of a French..host. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2012; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < adv.prep.c1175
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