A*vast" (&?;), interj. [Corrupted from D. houd vast hold fast. See Hold, v. t., and Fast, a.] (Naut.) Cease; stop; stay. "Avast heaving." Totten.
Av`a*tar" (&?;), n. [Skr. avatâra descent; ava from + root t to cross, pass over.] 1. (Hindoo Myth.) The descent of a deity to earth, and his incarnation as a man or an animal; -- chiefly associated with the incarnations of Vishnu.