from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Back \Back\ (b[a^]k), n. [AS. b[ae]c, bac; akin to Icel., Sw., &
LG. bak, Dan. bag; cf. OHG. bahho ham, Skr. bhaj to turn,
OSlav. b[=e]g[u^] flight. Cf. {Bacon}.]
1. 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.
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2. An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge.
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[The mountains] their broad bare backs upheave
Into the clouds. --Milton.
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3. 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.
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Methought Love pitying me, when he saw this,
Gave me your hands, the backs and palms to kiss.
--Donne.
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4. 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.
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5. 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.
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6. The part of a cutting tool on the opposite side from its
edge; as, the back of a knife, or of a saw.
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7. A support or resource in reserve.
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This project
Should have a back or second, that might hold,
If this should blast in proof. --Shak.
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8. (Naut.) The keel and keelson of a ship.
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9. (Mining) The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a
horizontal underground passage.
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10. A garment for the back; hence, clothing. [Obs.]
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A bak to walken inne by daylight. --Chaucer.
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{Behind one's back}, when one is absent; without one's
knowledge; as, to ridicule a person behind his back.
{Full back}, {Half back}, {Quarter back} (Football), players
stationed behind those in the front line.
{To be on one's back} or {To lie on one's back}, to be
helpless.
{To put one's back up} or {to get one's back up}, to assume
an attitude of obstinate resistance (from the action of a
cat when attacked). [Colloq.]
{To see the back of}, to get rid of.
{To turn the back}, to go away; to flee.
{To turn the back on one}, to forsake or neglect him.
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