about ship

Etymology
From the imperative phrase used as an order aboard sailing ships.

Verb

 * 1)  Tack; to cause to turn into the wind and through the other side ending with a full 180 degree turn.
 * 2) * 1841 October 17, Amanda Green, "Life of the Nymphs 11", The Sunday Flash, quoted in The Flash Press: Sporting Male Weeklies in 1840s New York, page 148
 * This Amanda refused and was about shipping to the other side, when the gentleman sprang out, clasped her in his arms, lifted her in, whistled to his horse and the next moment was flying about like mad [...]
 * 1) * 1863 March 24, Edward Redington, transcribed letter to his wife, Wisconsin Historical Society, page 81:
 * So we about shipped and started back (did not the steamboat men swear some then)?
 * 1) * 1875, anonymous soldier, The Campaigns of Walker’s Texas Division, Lange, Little & Co., page 151:
 * She “about-shipped,” and returned up the river again.
 * 1) * 1863 March 24, Edward Redington, transcribed letter to his wife, Wisconsin Historical Society, page 81:
 * So we about shipped and started back (did not the steamboat men swear some then)?
 * 1) * 1875, anonymous soldier, The Campaigns of Walker’s Texas Division, Lange, Little & Co., page 151:
 * She “about-shipped,” and returned up the river again.
 * 1) * 1875, anonymous soldier, The Campaigns of Walker’s Texas Division, Lange, Little & Co., page 151:
 * She “about-shipped,” and returned up the river again.

Usage notes

 * Usually used as an order or command.