adv. and prep. prop. phr. Obs. [A prep.1 in + FRONT sb. Used to translate Fr. de front which has the same range of use.]
A. adv.
1. Face to face, in direct opposition; opposite.
c. 1380. Sir Ferumb., 1689. An hundred knyȝtes wyþ-oute faille; þer-on [i.e., on the bridge] affrount mowe mete.
1587. Holinshed, Chron., III. 824/1. The king of England lieng afront before Tornaie.
1601. Holland, Pliny, VIII. xxv. These Islanders be the only men that dare encountre him affront.
2. In front.
1587. Holinshed, Chron., I. 50/1. Least his people should be assailed not onlie afront, but also vpon euerie side.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. ii. 421/1. No way lay open saue onely a front.
1621. Quarles, Hadassa. The Bullwarks stand afront to keep thee out.
1870. Smith, Syn. & Antonyms, Aback, Ant. ahead, afront.
3. In a front; abreast.
c. 1400. Tundale Vis., 1001. Afrontte unnethe thei myght passe.
1596. Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., II. iv. 222. These foure came all a-front and mainely thrust at me.
1613. Purchas, Pilgr., I. V. iii. 395. Twelve men may ride a-front through them.
1621. Molle, Camerarius’ Liv. Libr., V. i. 318. To containe two gallies afront with ease.
B. prep. [The adv. limited by a sb.] In front of.
1557. Phaër, Æneid, VI. Q i b. Than death himself, whose neighbour next was Slepe … and Mortal Warres afront the gate.
1610. Holland, Camden’s Brit., I. 227. Two bulwarks strong afront the Foe are rais’d.
1622. Callis, Statute of Sewers (1647), 25. 1600 Acres were gained from the Sea, affront the Mannor of sir Valentine Brown there.
