Definition of "aloof"

The noise approaches, tho' our palace stood Aloof from streets, encompass'd with a wood

1697, John Dryden, “Part 13”, in Virgil's Aeneid, Harvard Classics edition, translation of original by Virgil, published 2004, page 113

Mother […] considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres.

1922, Ben Travers, chapter 2, in A Cuckoo in the Nest‎

But to open the Bible in this spirit — to take the Book as from the hand of God, and then to look at it aloof, and with caution, as if throughout it were illusory and enigmatical, is the worst of all impieties.

1832, Isaac Taylor, Saturday evening, page 363

Rivetus […] would fain work himself aloof these rocks and quicksands.

1643, John Milton, Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce