'ahull' originates from the nautical term 'hull', referring to the main body of a ship, combined with the prefix 'a-' indicating a state or condition.

'ahull' changed from the Old English term 'hull' meaning 'ship's body' and eventually became the modern English term 'ahull'.

Initially, it meant 'in a state of drifting with sails furled', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.