Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-LEE', adv. [a or at and lee. See Lee.]

In seaman's language, on the side opposite to the wind, that is, opposite to the side on which it strikes. The helm of a ship is alee, when pressed close to the lee side. Hard alee or Luff alee, is an order to put the helm to the lee side. Helm's alee, that is, the helm is alee, a notice given as an order to the seamen to cause the head-sails to shake in the wind, with a view to bring the ship about. – Mar. Dict.