back
Cross references:
1. recede 2. support
1. back \'bak\ \'bakt\ \'bak-l*s\ n [ME, fr. OE bc; akin to OHG bah
back] 1a: the rear part of the human body esp. from the neck to the end of
the spine 1b: the corresponding part of a quadruped or other lower animal
1c: SPINAL COLUMN 1d: BACKBONE 2a: the hinder part : REAR; also : the
farther or reverse s ide 2b: something at or on the back for support {~ of
a chair} 3: a position in some games behind the front line of players;
also :: a player in this position - backed aj
2. back av 1a: to, toward, or at the rear 1b: in or into the past : AGO
1c: in or into a reclining position 1d1: under restraint 1d2: in a
delayed or retarded condition 2a: to, toward, or in a place from which a
person or thing came 2b: to or toward a former state 2c: in return or
reply
3. back aj 1a: being at or in the back {~ door} 1b: distant from a central
or main area : REMOTE 1c: articulated at or toward the back of the oral
passage 2: being in arrears : OVERDUE 3: moving or operating backward 4:
not current {~ number of a magazine}
4. back vt 1a: to support by material or moral assistance : UPHOLD 1b:
SUBSTANTIATE 1c: COUNTERSIGN, ENDORSE; also : to assume financial r
esponsibility for 2: to cause to go back or in reverse 3a: to furnish with
a back 3b: to be at the back of 1: to move backward of the wind 2: to
shift counterclockwise 3: to have the back in the direction of something
1: to manage the sails of a ship to keep it clear of obstructions as it floats
down with the current of a river or channel 2: to take opposite
positions alternately : SHILLY-SHALLY - back and fill
5. back n [D bak] : a shallow vat or tub used esp. by brewers or dyers