Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AFT, a. [or adv. Sax. æft, eft, after, behind.]

In seamen's language, a word used to denote the stern or what pertains to the stern of a ship; as, the aft part of the ship; haul aft the main sheet, that is, further towards the stern. Fore and aft is the whole length of a ship. Right aft is in a direct line with the stern. – Mar. Dict.