About (&unr_;), prep. [OE. aboute, abouten, abuten; AS. ābutan, onbutan; on + butan, which is from be by + utan outward, from ut out. See But, Out.]
[1913 Webster]

1. Around; all round; on every side of. “Look about you.” Shak. “Bind them about thy neck.” Prov. iii. 3.
[1913 Webster]

2. In the immediate neighborhood of; in contiguity or proximity to; near, as to place; by or on (one's person). “Have you much money about you?” Bulwer.
[1913 Webster]

3. Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.
[1913 Webster]

Lampoons . . . were handed about the coffeehouses. Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]

Roving still about the world. Milton.
[1913 Webster]

4. Near; not far from; -- determining approximately time, size, quantity. “To-morrow, about this time.” Exod. ix. 18. “About my stature.” Shak.
[1913 Webster]

He went out about the third hour. Matt. xx. 3.
[1913 Webster]

&hand_; This use passes into the adverbial sense.
[1913 Webster]

5. In concern with; engaged in; intent on.
[1913 Webster]

I must be about my Father's business. Luke ii. 49.
[1913 Webster]

6. Before a verbal noun or an infinitive: On the point or verge of; going; in act of.
[1913 Webster]

Paul was now aboutto open his mouth. Acts xviii. 14.
[1913 Webster]

7. Concerning; with regard to; on account of; touching. “To treat about thy ransom.” Milton.
[1913 Webster]

She must have her way about Sarah. Trollope.
[1913 Webster]