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Aback
I was taken aback—I was greatly astonished—taken by
surprise—startled. It is a sea term. A ship is “taken aback” when
the sails are suddenly carried by the wind back against the mast,
instantly staying the ship's progress—very dangerous in a strong
gale.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Aback from Infoplease:
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