aloof

n. (Zool.) Same as Alewife. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. [ Pref. a- + loof, fr. D. loef luff, and so meaning, as a nautical word, to the windward. See Loof, Luff. ] 1. At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away. [ 1913 Webster ]

Our palace stood aloof from streets. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Without sympathy; unfavorably. [ 1913 Webster ]

To make the Bible as from the hand of God, and then to look at it aloof and with caution, is the worst of all impieties. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

prep. Away from; clear from. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Rivetus . . . would fain work himself aloof these rocks and quicksands. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]