Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Aloof \A*loof"\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
   Same as {Alewife}.

Aloof \A*loof"\, adv. [Pref. a- + loof, fr. D. loef luff, and so
   meaning, as a nautical word, to the windward. See {Loof},
   {Luff}.]
   1. At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small
      distance; apart; away.

            Our palace stood aloof from streets.  --Dryden.

   2. Without sympathy; unfavorably.

            To make the Bible as from the hand of God, and then
            to look at it aloof and with caution, is the worst
            of all impieties.                     --I. Taylor.

Aloof \A*loof"\, prep.
   Away from; clear from. [Obs.]

         Rivetus . . . would fain work himself aloof these rocks
         and quicksands.                          --Milton.

Source : WordNet®

aloof
     adv : in an aloof manner; "the local gentry and professional
           classes had held aloof for the school had accepted
           their sons readily enough"

aloof
     adj : remote in manner; "stood apart with aloof dignity"; "a
           distant smile"; "he was upstage with strangers" [syn: {distant},
            {upstage}]