a-square,advb.phr.|əˈskwɛə(r)| [perh. a prep.1 + square.] On the square; aloof, at a safe distance. c1400Beryn 586 Hym had been better to have goon more a-sware.Ibid. 596 That herd the pardoner wele, and held him better a square.Ibid. 643 The Pardonere..held him [right] a square, by þat othir syde.