A*loof" (&?;), n. (Zoöl.)
Same as Alewife.
A*loof", 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.
Our palace stood aloof from streets.
Dryden.
2. Without sympathy; unfavorably.
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.
A*loof" (&?;), prep. Away from; clear
from. [Obs.]
Rivetus . . . would fain work himself aloof these
rocks and quicksands.
Milton.