ARREAR

Etymology

Adverb

arrear (comparative more arrear, superlative most arrear)

(obsolete) Towards the rear, backwards. [14th-16th c.]

(obsolete) Behind time; overdue. [15th-19th c.]

Noun

arrear (plural arrears)

Work to be done, obligation.

Unpaid debt.

That which is in the rear or behind.

Source: Wiktionary


Ar*rear", adv. Etym: [OE. arere, OF. arere, ariere, F. arrière, fr. L. ad + retro backward. See Rear.]

Definition: To or in the rear; behind; backwards. [Obs.] Spenser.

Ar*rear", n.

Definition: That which is behind in payment, or which remains unpaid, though due; esp. a remainder, or balance which remains due when some part has been paid; arrearage; -- commonly used in the plural, as, arrears of rent, wages, or taxes. Locke. For much I dread due payment by the Greeks Of yesterday's arrear. Cowper. I have a large arrear of letters to write. J. D. Forbes. In arrear or In arrears, behind; backward; behindhand; in debt.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

28 May 2025

AIR

(noun) a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing; “an air of mystery”; “the house had a neglected air”; “an atmosphere of defeat pervaded the candidate’s headquarters”; “the place had an aura of romance”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

In the 16th century, Turkish women could divorce their husbands if the man failed to keep his family’s pot filled with coffee.

coffee icon