Noah Webster
Amid
AMID'
AMIDST', preposition [Latin medius. See Middle and Midst.]
1. In the midst or middle.
2. Among; mingled with; as, a shepherd amidst his flock.
3. Surrounded, encompassed, or enveloped with; as, amidst the shade; amid the waves. amid is used mostly in poetry.
AMID'-SHIPS, in marine language, the middle of a ship, with regard to her length and breadth.