Avast, matey!

Why are pirates always running around saying "Avast, mateys!" Just what does it mean to "avast"? What if I'm approached by a pirate to "avast"? What if I decide to humor him? How do I go about avasting?

Main Entry: avast
Pronunciation: &-'vast
Function: verb imperative
Etymology: perhaps from Dutch "houd vast"--hold fast
Date: 1681
-- a nautical command to stop or cease

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