In a circle around; all round; on every side of; on the outside of. [First attested prior to 1150.][2]
Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.][2]
Indicates that something will happen very soon; indicates a plan or intention to do something.
On one's person; nearby the person. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.][2]
(figuratively) In or near, as in mental faculties or (literally) in the possession of; under the control of; at one's command; in one's makeup. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.][2]
Usage notes
(Indicates that something will happen very soon): In modern English, always followed by an infinitive that begins with to ("I am about to bathe"); see about to. In the past, it was possible to instead follow the about with the present participle ("I am about swimming"), but this format is no longer used or widely understood.
(concerning): Used as a function word to indicate what is dealt with as the object of thought, feeling, or action.
Adverb
On all sides; around. [First attested before 1150.[2]]
Here and there; around; in one place and another; up and down. [First attested before 1150.[2]]
From one place or position to another in succession; indicating repeated movement or activity.
Indicating unproductive or unstructured activity.
Nearly; approximately; with close correspondence in quality, manner, degree, quantity, or time; almost. [First attested before 1150.[2]]
Near; in the vicinity. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.[2]]
To a reversed order; half round; facing in the opposite direction; from a contrary point of view. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.[2]]
(nautical) To the opposite tack: see go about. [First attested in the late 15th century.[2]]
(obsolete or rare) In succession; one after another; in the course of events. [First attested before 1150.[2]]