adverb. By surprise.

adverb. In such a way that the wind pushes against the forward side of a sail or sails.

adverb. Back; backward.

Toward the back or rear; backward; rearward; regressively.

On or at the back; behind; from behind.

Away; aloof.

Ago: as, “eight days aback,” Ross.

Nautical, in or into the condition of receiving the wind from ahead; with the wind acting on the forward side: said of a ship or of her sails.

Figuratively, suddenly or unexpectedly checked, confounded, or disappointed: as, he was quite taken aback when he was refused admittance.

noun. An abacus, or something resembling one, as a flat, square stone, or a square compartment.

All aback (

noun. An abacus.

adverb. Toward the back or rear; backward.

adverb. Behind; in the rear.

adverb. Backward against the mast; -- said of the sails when pressed by the wind.

adverb. To be suddenly checked, baffled, or discomfited.

noun. An abacus.

adverb. By surprise; startled; dumbfounded.

adverb. by surprise

adverb. having the wind against the forward side of the sails

"As I read your stories and especially your friends who so generously comment I am taken aback (is aback a word?) by the generous sharing of wisdom you receive from your friends at French-Word-A-Day."

all aback forward  flat aback  laid aback  taken aback  to brace aback  

take aback  

Adak  Black  Braque  Chirac  Jack  

abacus  backward  behind