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.