Around; on the exterior part or surface. Bind them about thy neck. Proverbs 3:3; Isaiah 50:11. Hence,

Near to in place, with the sense of circularity. Get you up from about the tabernacle. Numbers 16:24.

Near to in time. He went out about the third hour. Matthew 20:3.

Near to, in action, or near to the performance of some act. Paul was about to open his mouth. Acts 18:74. They were about to flee out of the ship. Acts 27:30.

Near to the person; appended to the clothes. Every thing about him is in order. Is your snuff box about you? From nearness on all sides, the transition is easy to a concern with. Hence,

Concerned in, engaged in, relating to. I must be about my father’s business. Luke 2:49. The painter is not to take so much pains about the drapery as about the face . What is he about?

In compass or circumference; two yards about the trunk.

Near to in number or quantity. There fell that day about three thousand men. Exodus 32:28.

Near to in quality or degree; as about as high, or as cold.

Here and there; around; in one place and another. Wandering about from house to house. 7 Timothy 5: .

round, or the longest way, opposed to across, or the shortest way. A mile about, and half a mile across. To bring about, to bring to the end; to effect or accomplish a purpose. To come about, to change or turn; to come to the desired point. Ina like sense, seamen say go about, when a ship changes her course and goes on the other tack. Ready about, about ship, are orders for tacking. To go about, signifies to enter upon; also to prepare; to seek the means. Why go ye about to kill me. John 7:19.