on or to all sides; round
here and there
running about
in succession or rotation; alternately
turn and turn about
approximately
The wine cost about £5
almost
I'm about ready
in the vicinity
There was nobody about
about to
on the verge of
about to join the army
used in the negative to express intention or determination
The prime minister is not about to quit
[Old English abūtan, from a-1 + būtan outside]