coast

coast [kōst]

n.

[ME coste, coast < OFr, a rib, hill, shore, coast < L costa, a rib, side]

1. land alongside the sea; seashore

2. Obs. frontier; borderland

☆ 3. [< CdnFr, hillside, slope] an incline down which a slide is taken

☆ 4. a slide or ride, as on a sled going down an incline by the force of gravity

vi.

1. to sail near or along a coast, esp. from port to port

☆ 2. to go down an incline, as on a sled

☆ 3. to continue in motion on momentum or by the force of gravity after propelling power has stopped

☆ 4. to continue without serious effort, letting one's past efforts carry one along

vt.

to sail along or near the coast of

SYN.- SHORE¹

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the Coast

☆ Informal in the U.S., the Pacific coast

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the coast is clear

there is no apparent danger or hindrance