A, as a prefix to English words, is derived from various sources.
(1) It frequently signifies on or in (from an, a forms of AS. on),
denoting a state, as in afoot, on foot, abed, amiss, asleep, aground,
aloft, away (AS. onweg), and analogically, ablaze, atremble, etc. (2)
AS. of off, from, as in adown (AS. ofd/ne off the dun or hill). (3...
