A*stern" (#), adv. [Pref. a- + stern.] Naut.

1.

In or at the hinder part of a ship; toward the hinder part, or stern; backward; as, to go astern.

2.

Behind a ship; in the rear.

To bake astern, to go stern foremost. -- To be astern of the reckoning, to be behind the position given by the reckoning. -- To drop astern, to fall or be left behind. -- To go astern, to go backward, as from the action of currents or winds.

© Webster 1913.