What is the origin of aloof?

Answer 1

An English word from the mid 16th century in nautical use. Meaning away and to windward to keep a sailing vessel away from the shore. From this came the meaning 'distant'

Answer 2

The word "aloof" comes from the Middle English word "aloof" and the Old French word "aloef," both of which mean "away or at a distance." Its earliest documented use in English dates back to the late 16th century.