In 3 bute(n, bot, 6 bout, 7– ’bout. [ME. bute(n, aphet. form of abute(n, as, in later times, ’bout of ABOUT.]
A. prep. In various senses of ABOUT. (Not in literary prose.)
c. 1250. Gen. & Ex., 566. Ðor buten Noe long swing [MS. swinc] he dreȝ.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 14106. Bise ert þou bot [v.r. a-bute] mani dede. Ibid., 21695. Quen strijf was bute þe preisthede.
1602. Warner, Alb. Eng., X. lvii. 250. An Agnus Dei bout her neeke, a crost-Christ in her hand.
1622. Massinger, Old Law, V. i. The nimble fencer … made me tear … ’bout the chamber.
1821. Clare, Vill. Minstr., I. 17. Discourses … ’Bout work being slack, and rise and fall of bread.
a. 1845. Hood, Agric. Distress, vi. While we bargain ’bout the hay.
B. adv. In Nautical phr. ’bout ship = ‘put about the ship,’ that is, turn her head, alter her course.
1830. Marryat, King’s Own, xvi. ’Bout ship, Mr. Pearce.
