From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Athwart \A*thwart"\, prep. [Pref. a- + thwart.]
1. Across; from side to side of.
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Athwart the thicket lone. --Tennyson.
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2. (Naut.) Across the direction or course of; as, a fleet
standing athwart our course.
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Athwart hawse, across the stem of another vessel, whether
in contact or at a small distance.
Athwart ships, across the ship from side to side, or in
that direction; -- opposed to fore and aft.
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