At or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane; SYN. abaft, astern.
1. In or to a place or situation in back of or to the rear of — used as a function word to indicate something that screens an observer; following in order.
2 — used as a function word to indicate backwardness, delay, or deficiency.
3. In the background of; out of the mind or consideration of; beyond in depth or time.
4. In support of; on the side of; with the support of.