What does "as of" mean in this sentence? This is the sentence in question, by William Faulkner. He did not move, holding the useless gun, which he had not even had warning to cock and which even now he did not cock, tasting in his saliva that _taint as of brass_ which he knew now because he had smelled it when he peered under the kitchen at the huddled dogs. Could you please tell me what "as of" mean in this sentence? Thank you.