Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-FLOAT', adv. [or adj. a and float.]

1. Borne on the water; floating; swimming; as, the ship is afloat.
2. Figuratively, moving; passing from place to place; as, a rumor is afloat.
3. Unfixed; moving without guide or control; as, our affairs are all afloat. [As an adjective, this word always follows the noun.]