The Collaborative International Dictionary
Athwart ships
Athwart \A*thwart"\, prep. [Pref. a- + thwart.]
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Across; from side to side of.
Athwart the thicket lone.
--Tennyson. -
(Naut.) Across the direction or course of; as, a fleet standing athwart our course.
Athwart hawse, across the stem of another vessel, whether in contact or at a small distance.
Athwart ships, across the ship from side to side, or in that direction; -- opposed to fore and aft.