I am toward nine years older since I left you.

Swift.

{ To"ward, To"wards } adv. Near; at hand; in state of preparation.

Do you hear sught, sir, of a battle toward ?

Shak.

We have a trifling foolish banquet Towards.

Shak.

To"ward (?), a. [AS. &?;. See Toward, prep.] 1. Approaching; coming

near. "His toward peril." Spenser.

2. Readly to do or learn; compliant with duty; not froward; apt;

docile; tractable; as, a toward youth.