Both Uses of
aloof
in
The Merchant of Venice
- Nerissa and the rest, stand all aloof; Let music sound while he doth make his choice; Then, if he lose, he makes a swan-like end, Fading in music: that the comparison May stand more proper, my eye shall be the stream And watery death-bed for him.†
Scene 3.2 *aloof = socially distant or uninterested
- Now he goes, With no less presence, but with much more love, Than young Alcides when he did redeem The virgin tribute paid by howling Troy To the sea-monster: I stand for sacrifice; The rest aloof are the Dardanian wives, With bleared visages come forth to view The issue of th' exploit.†
Scene 3.2
Definition:
socially distant or uninterested in something that interests others -- often thinking oneself superior to others