Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AF'TER, a. [The comparative degree of aft. But in some Teutonic dialects it is written with g; D. agter; Dan. agters. The Eng. corresponds with the Sax. æfter, Sw. efter, Goth. aftaro, Dan. efter.]

1. In marine language, more aft, or towards the stern of the ship; as, the after sails; after hatchway.
2. In common language, later in time; as, an after period of life. – Marshall. In this sense, the word is often combined with the following noun; as, in afternoon.