Part 855

<h1>Backsword</h1> <Xpage=111>

<hw>Back"sword`</hw> <tt>(?)</tt>, <tt>n.</tt> <ety>[2d <ets>back</ets>,<tt>n.</tt>+ <ets>sword</ets>.]</ety> <p><b>1.</b> <def>A sword with one sharp edge.</def>

<p><b>2.</b> <def>In England, a stick with a basket handle, used in rustic amusements; also, the game in which the stick is used. Also called <i>singlestick</i>.</def>

<i> Halliwell.</i>

<h1>Backward, Backwards</h1> <Xpage=111>

<hw><hw>Back"ward</hw> <tt>(?)</tt>, <hw>Back"wards</hw> <tt>(?)</tt>,<hw> <tt>adv.</tt> <ety>[<ets>Back</ets>, adv. + <ets>-ward</ets>.]</ety> <p><b>1.</b> <def>With the back in advance or foremost; <as>as, to ride <ex>backward</ex></as>.</def>

<p><b>2.</b> <def>Toward the back; toward the rear; <as>as, to throw the arms <ex>backward</ex></as>.</def>

<p><b>3.</b> <def>On the back, or with the back downward.</def>

<blockquote>Thou wilt fall <b>backward</b>. <i> Shak.</i></blockquote>

<p><b>4.</b> <def>Toward, or in, past time or events; ago.</def>

<blockquote>Some reigns <b>backward</b>. <i> Locke.</i></blockquote>

<p><b>5.</b> <def>By way of reflection; reflexively.</def>

<i> Sir J. Davies.</i>

<p><b>6.</b> <def>From a better to a worse state, as from honor to shame, from religion to sin.</def>

<blockquote>The work went <b>backward</b>. <i> Dryden.</i></blockquote>

<p><b>7.</b> <def>In a contrary or reverse manner, way, or direction; contrarily; <as>as, to read <ex>backwards</ex></as>.</def>

<blockquote>We might have . . . beat them <b>backward</b> home. <i> Shak.</i></blockquote>

<h1>Backward</h1> <Xpage=111>

<hw>Back"ward</hw>, <tt>a.</tt> <p><b>1.</b> <def>Directed to the back or rear; <as>as, <ex>backward</ex> glances</as>.</def>

<p><b>2.</b> <def>Unwilling; averse; reluctant; hesitating; loath.</def>

<blockquote>For wiser brutes were <b>backward</b> to be slaves. <i>Pope.</i></blockquote>

<p><b>3.</b> <def>Not well advanced in learning; not quick of apprehension; dull; inapt; <as>as, a <ex>backward</ex> child</as>.</def> "The <i>backward</i> learner."

<i> South.</i>

<p><b>4.</b> <def>Late or behindhand; <as>as, a <ex>backward</ex> season</as>.</def>

<p><b>5.</b> <def>Not advanced in civilization; undeveloped; <as>as, the country or region is in a <ex>backward</ex> state</as>.</def>

<p><b>6.</b> <def>Already past or gone; bygone.</def> <mark>[R.]</mark>

<blockquote>And flies unconscious o'er each <b>backward</b> year. <i> Byron.</i></blockquote>

<h1>Backward</h1> <Xpage=111>