fore and aft

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fore and aft • adv. at the front and rear (often used with reference to a ship or plane): we're moored fore and aft. ∎  backward and forward: a sperm whale cannot see directly fore and aft.• adj. backward and forward: the fore-and-aft motion of the handles. ∎  (of a hat, esp. one worn as part of a uniform) having three corners and a brim at the front and back: we were in full dress, with fore-and-aft hats and swords. ∎  (of a sail or rigging) set lengthwise, not on transverse yards: a fore-and-aft-rigged yacht.