Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - aloft

 I. adverb  Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse a lopt, from a on, in + lopt air — more at on, loft  Date: 13th century  1. at or to a great height measuring the winds ~  2. in the air; especially in flight (as in an airplane) meals served ~  3. at, on, or to the masthead or the higher rigging  II. preposition  Date: 14th century on top of ; above bright signs ~ hotels