adv. [See -WARD, -WARDS.] Toward the water; in earlier use to (the) waterward(s. Also † fra the waterward, from the direction in which the water lies.
c. 1220. Bestiary, 137. [The adder] walkeð to ðe water-ward, wile ðanne drinken.
13[?]. K. Alis., 3686. To water-ward [Bodl. MS. To waterwardes], with sweord egge, Theo othres come at heore rygge.
1418. in Eng. Misc. (Surtees), 13. That the water be ledde downe … fra the thrid poste of the house of Dame Alice Plumpton fra the waterward of Use [= Ouse], be a pype of lede closed wyth a loker.
1903. W. S. Blunt, Golden Odes Arabia, iv. 27.
| Till returned their thirsting, need of the far water clefts, | |
| all their will to win there speeding them waterwards. |
