A-stĕrn', adv.

(14), adv. [Prefix a and stern, q. v.] (Naut.)

1. In or at the hinder part of a ship; or toward the hinder part, or backward; as, to go astern.
2. Behind a ship, at any indefinite distance. “Having left this strait astern.” Drake.

To go astern, to go backward, as from the action of currents or winds.—To back astern, to go stern foremost.—To be astern of the reckoning, to be behind the position given by the reckoning.