Aloof

A*loof" (?), n. (Zoöl.) Same as Alewife.

A*loof" (?), prep. Away from; clear from. [Obs.]

Rivetus . . . would fain work himself aloof these rocks and quicksands.
Milton.

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.