sea term, signifying the hinder part of a ship, or all those parts both within and without which lie towards the stern, in opposition to afore. Abaft is also used as a preposition, and signifies further aft, or nearer the stern; as, the barricade stands abaft the main-mast, i.e. behind it, or nearer the stern.

Abaissé, abaisse, in Heraldry, an epithet applied to the wings of eagles, &c. when the tip looks downwards to the point of the shield, or when the wings are shut; the natural way of bearing them being extended.

Abaka, Khan, the eighth emperor of the Moguls, a wise and good prince, ascended the throne in 1264. He reigned 17 years, and is by some authors said to have been a Christian. It may be admitted, indeed, that he joined with the Christians in keeping the feast of Easter, in the city Hamadan, a short time before his death. But this is no proof of his Christianity; it having been a common practice, in these times, for Christians and Mahometans to join in keeping the same feasts, when each would compliment the other by doing honour to his solemnity.

Abakanisk, a range of mountains in the government of Tomsk, in Siberia, extending from the river Tom to the Jenisei, parallel to the Altai mountains.

Abakanisk, a fortified town of Siberia, in the government of Tomsk, on the river Abakan. This is considered the mildest and most salubrious place in Siberia; and is remarkable for the tumuli in its neighbourhood, and for some statues of men from seven to nine feet high covered with hieroglyphics. Pop. 1200. Lat. 54° N. Long. 91° E.