Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
TOWARD
I. adjective
Etymology: Middle English toward, from Old English tōweard facing, imminent, from tō, preposition, to + -weard -ward Date: before 12th century
1. (also towards) \Middle English towardes, from Old English tōweardes, preposition, toward, from tōweard, adjective ] coming soon ; imminent , happening at the moment ; afoot ,
2. quick to learn ; apt , propitious , favoring ,
II. preposition or towards Date: before 12th century in the direction of ,
2. along a course leading to , in relation to ,
3. at a point in the direction of ; near , in such a position as to be in the direction of , not long before ,
5. in the way of help or assistance in , for the partial payment of