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Webster 1913 Edition
Aloof
A-loof′
,adv.
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′
,p
rep.
Away from; clear from.
[Obs.]
Rivetus . . . would fain work himself
aloof
these rocks and quicksands. Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Aloof
ALOOF
,adv.
1.
At a distance, but within view, or at a small distance, in a literal sense; as, to stand aloof.2.
In a figurative sense, not concerned in a design; declining to take any share, implying circumspection; keeping at a distance from the point, or matter in debate.