ABACK

ABACK, adverb [At, on or towards the back. See Back]Towards the back; on the back part; backward. In seamen's language it signifies the situation of the sails, when pressed back against the mast by the wind.Taken aback is when the sails are carried back suddenly by the wind.Laid aback is when the sails are purposely placed in that situation to give the ship sternway.

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aback. Aback, ad. back, backward, behind

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A‐back″ (ȧ‐băk″), adv. [[Pref. a- + back; AS. on bæc at, on, or toward the back. See Back.]] 1. 1. Toward the back or rear; backward. “Therewith aback she started.” Chaucer.
2. 2. Behind; in the rear. Knolles.
3. 3. (Naut.) Backward against the mast; — said of the sails when pressed by the wind. Totten.
To be taken aback. (a) To be driven backward against the mast; — said of the sails, also of the ship when the sails are thus driven. (b) To be suddenly checked, baffled, or discomfited. Dickens.