AHOLD

Etymology 1

Adverb

ahold (not comparable)

(nautical, obsolete) (of a ship) Brought to lie as near to the windward as it can to get out to sea, and thereby held steady.

Etymology 2

Noun

ahold (uncountable)

(informal) A hold, grip, grasp.

Usage notes

• Mainly used in phrases such as catch, lay, take or get ahold of, on or upon something.

• In formal writing, this word is generally avoided in favor of a more formal synonym.

Source: Wiktionary

A*hold", adv. Etym: [Pref. a- + hold.]

Definition: Near the wind; as, to lay a ship ahold. [Obs.] Shak.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition