★
adverb.
(Nautical.)
1. at or toward the rear of a ship; aft.
△Ex. The captain went astern. While we were in motion the only sheltered spot on deck was astern and to port of the cabin and the wheelhouse (Christopher Rand).
2. backward.
△Ex. The boat moved slowly astern.
3. behind.
△Ex. Some yachts tow small boats astern.