3 entries under this word
(6), a. [A-S. æfter, O. Sax. after, O. H. Ger. aftar, avar, Goth. aftaro, aftra, and afar, Sw. & Dan. efter, D. & L. Ger. achter. It seems to be the comparative degree of af or aft. See supra.]
Sense 1. Later in time; subsequent; succeeding; as, an after period of life. Marshall.
☞ In this sense the word is often combined with the following noun, as in after-ages.
Sense 2. (Naut.) More aft, or toward the stern of the ship; as, the after sails; after hatchway.
prep. 1. Behind in place; as, men placed in a line one after another.
Sense 2. Later in time; as, after supper.
☞ This word often precedes a sentence, as a governing preposition.
After I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Matt. xxvi. 32.
Sense 3. Moving toward from behind; following; in search of; in pursuit of.
Ye shall not go after other gods. Deut. vi. 14.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? 1 Sam. xxiv. 14.
Sense 4. In imitation of; as, to make a thing after a model.
Sense 5. According to. [Obs.] “He takes greatness of kingdoms according to bulk and currency, and not after their intrinsic value.” Bacon.
Sense 6. According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to. [Antiquated.]
To judge after the sight of his eyes. Isa. xi. 3.
They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh. Rom. viii. 5.
Sense 7. Concerning; in relation to; as, to inquire after a friend.
adv. Subsequently in time or place; after-ward. “It was about the space of three hours after.” Acts v. 9.
☞ After is prefixed to many words, forming com-pounds, but retaining its genuine signification. Some of the following words are of this kind; but in some of them after seems rather to be a separate word.