1530s, from a- (1) + Middle English loof "weather gage," also "windward direction," probably from Dutch loef (Middle Dutch lof) "the weather side of a ship." Originally a [..]

in an aloof manner; "the local gentry and professional classes had held aloof for the school had accepted their sons readily enough" remote in manner; "stood apa [..]

at a distance, apart

adv. Not in sympathy with or desiring to associate with others.

(adj) remote in manner(adv) in an aloof manner

Stand aloof, away. A sea term, meaning originally to bear to windward, or luff. (Norwegian, German, etc., luft, wind, breeze.)

*

  A nautical order to keep the ship's head to the wind, thus to stay clear of a lee shore or some other quarter.  The front part of the sail which meets the wind is called the luff. A sailing ves [..]

Old expression meaning to "keep your luff", or sail as close to the wind as possible.

<zoology> Same as Alewife. (01 Mar 1998)

Reserved and remote; either physically or emotionally distant; standoffish.