Backward against the mast; -- said of the sails when pressed by the wind.

The situation of sails when the wind is caught on the forward surface causing causing them to be pressed aft against the mast. This may cause the ship to go astern.

The set of a boat's sails with the wind on the leeward instead of the windward side

A condition in which the sails are brought back against the mast by the wind, rather than blown forward by it. Also known as "backwinded."

having the wind against the forward side of the sails; "the ship came up into the wind with all yards aback"

The situation when the wind bears against the front surface of the sails thereby stopping progress.

Condition of sail when the wind pressure is on the leeward or forward side, with sails backed or trimmed to windward

Also Back. Driven backwards by the wind. A sail taken aback contacts the mast.