3. (Naut.) Backward against the mast; -- said of the sails when pressed by the wind. Totten.
To be taken aback. (a) To be driven backward against the mast; -- said of the sails, also of the ship when the sails are thus driven. (b) To be suddenly checked, baffled, or discomfited. Dickens.
Ab"ack (b"ak), n. An abacus. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
Ab*ac"ti*nal (b*k"t*nal), a. [L. ab + E. actinal.] (Zoöl.) Pertaining to the surface or end opposite to the mouth in a radiate animal; -- opposed to actinal. "The aboral or abactinal area." L. Agassiz.