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Meaning Of Back
n.
A large shallow vat; a cistern, tub, or trough, used by
brewers, distillers, dyers, picklers, gluemakers, and others, for
mixing or cooling wort, holding water, hot glue, etc.
n.
A ferryboat. See Bac, 1.
n.
In human beings, the hinder part of the body, extending from
the neck to the end of the spine; in other animals, that part of the
body which corresponds most nearly to such part of a human being; as,
the back of a horse, fish, or lobster.
n.
An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge.
n.
The outward or upper part of a thing, as opposed to the inner
or lower part; as, the back of the hand, the back of the foot, the back
of a hand rail.
n.
The part opposed to the front; the hinder or rear part of a
thing; as, the back of a book; the back of an army; the back of a
chimney.
n.
The part opposite to, or most remote from, that which fronts
the speaker or actor; or the part out of sight, or not generally seen;
as, the back of an island, of a hill, or of a village.
n.
The part of a cutting tool on the opposite side from its
edge; as, the back of a knife, or of a saw.
n.
A support or resource in reserve.
n.
The keel and keelson of a ship.
n.
The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a horizontal
underground passage.
n.
A garment for the back; hence, clothing.
a.
Being at the back or in the rear; distant; remote; as, the
back door; back settlements.
a.
Being in arrear; overdue; as, back rent.
a.
Moving or operating backward; as, back action.
v. i.
To get upon the back of; to mount.
v. i.
To place or seat upon the back.
v. i.
To drive or force backward; to cause to retreat or recede;
as, to back oxen.
v. i.
To make a back for; to furnish with a back; as, to back
books.
v. i.
To adjoin behind; to be at the back of.
v. i.
To write upon the back of; as, to back a letter; to
indorse; as, to back a note or legal document.
v. i.
To support; to maintain; to second or strengthen by aid or
influence; as, to back a friend.
v. i.
To bet on the success of; -- as, to back a race horse.
v. i.
To move or go backward; as, the horse refuses to back.
v. i.
To change from one quarter to another by a course opposite
to that of the sun; -- used of the wind.
v. i.
To stand still behind another dog which has pointed; --
said of a dog.
adv.
In, to, or toward, the rear; as, to stand back; to step
back.
adv.
To the place from which one came; to the place or person
from which something is taken or derived; as, to go back for something
left behind; to go back to one's native place; to put a book back after
reading it.
adv.
To a former state, condition, or station; as, to go back to
private life; to go back to barbarism.
adv.
(Of time) In times past; ago.
adv.
Away from contact; by reverse movement.
adv.
In concealment or reserve; in one's own possession; as, to
keep back the truth; to keep back part of the money due to another.
adv.
In a state of restraint or hindrance.
adv.
In return, repayment, or requital.
adv.
In withdrawal from a statement, promise, or undertaking;
as, he took back0 the offensive words.