catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  Back \Back\, n. [As b[ae]c, bac; akin to Icel., Sw., & LG. bak,
     Dan. bag; cf. OHG. bahho ham, Skr. bhaj to turn, OSlav. b?g?
     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.
  
     2. An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge.
  
              [The mountains] their broad bare backs upheave Into
              the clouds.                           --Milton.
  
     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.
  
              Methought Love pitying me, when he saw this, Gave me
              your hands, the backs and palms to kiss. --Donne.
  
     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.
  
     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.
  
     6. The part of a cutting tool on the opposite side from its
        edge; as, the back of a knife, or of a saw.
  
     7. A support or resource in reserve.
  
              This project Should have a back or second, that
              might hold, If this should blast in proof. --Shak.
  
     8. (Naut.) The keel and keelson of a ship.
  
     9. (Mining) The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a
        horizontal underground passage.
  
     10. A garment for the back; hence, clothing.
  
               A bak to walken inne by daylight.    --Chaucer.
  
     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 or lie on one's back, to be helpless.
  
     To put, or 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.