ÆSTUARY. See [Estuary].
ÆWUL. An Anglo-Saxon term for a twig basket for catching fish.
AFEARD. This is a very common expression for afraid, and though thought low, is a true archaism of our language, as seen in Chaucer, Shakspeare, and Ben Jonson. Major Moor terms it an old and good word.
AFER. The south-west wind of the Latins, and used by some of the early voyagers.
AFFAIR. An indecisive engagement; a duel.
AFFECTED. An algebraic term for an equation in which the unknown quantity rises to two or more several powers.
AFFECTIONATE FRIENDS. An official inconsistent subscription, even to letters of reproof and imprest, used by the former Board of Commissioners of the Navy to such officers as were not of noble families or bore titles; the only British board that ever made so mean a distinction, equally kind with the regrets of the clergy on burning a heretic, or those of Walton in cutting a live fish tenderly. It was probably adopted from James, Duke of York, who, when lord high-admiral, always so subscribed his official letters. It is said that this practice was discontinued in consequence of a distinguished naval captain—a knight—adding, "your affectionate friend." He was thereupon desired to "discontinue such an expression," when he replied, "I am, gentlemen, no longer your affectionate friend, J. Phillimore."
AFFIDAVIT. A declaration upon oath, weakened in importance by its too frequent administration at custom-houses, lazarettos, &c. Declarations are now substituted in the case of naval officers.
AFFIRMATIVE. The positive sign or quantity in algebra; also signal flag or pendant by which a request or order is answered.
AFFLUENT. A stream flowing directly into another stream; a more specific term than tributary.