abreast

The story

1. Middle English · inherited fromabrest
2. English todayabreast

From Middle English abrest. By surface analysis, a- (“on, at”) + breast, meaning “breasts (chests) in line, side-by-side and exactly equally advanced”; roughly “breast-by-breast”.

First known use, by meaning

• First attested from around (1350 to 1470.) Side by side and facing forward.
• First attested in the mid 17ᵗʰ century. Alongside; parallel to.
• First attested in the mid 17ᵗʰ century. Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.
• First attested in the mid 17ᵗʰ century. Followed by of or with: up to a certain level or line; equally advanced.
• First attested in the late 17ᵗʰ century. Side by side; also, opposite; on a line with the vessel's beam.
• First attested from around (1350 to 1470.) Side by side, facing forward.
• First attested in the mid 17ᵗʰ century. Alongside; parallel to.
• First attested in the mid 17ᵗʰ century. Informed, well-informed, familiar, acquainted.