See Also: avast(dictionary)

avast (iou)



avast interjection. E17.
[from Dutch hou'vast, houd vast hold fast, with 1st syll. assim. to A preposition1.]
Nautical. Stop! cease! hold!
Smollett Avast there friend, none of your tricks upon travellers. F. Marryat 'Avast heaving,' said Gascoigne.