avast
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From the Dutch hou' vast (“hold fast”), from houd (“hold”) + vast (“fast”)
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Interjection
avast
- (nautical) hold fast!; desist!; stay!.
- (parody of pirate slang) listen!; pay attention!.
- Avast, ye landlubbers!
[edit] Usage notes
- The form "avast, ye!" (as in "Avast, Hoisting!" or "Avast, this noise" or "Avast ye landlubbers!!") is often seen, but this is nonstandard.
