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Arrear

//əˈɹɪə// adv, noun

Definitions

Adverb
  1. 1
    Towards the rear, backwards. obsolete

    "She, (Ladie) having well before approoved / The feends to be too cruell and severe, / Observ'd th' appointed way, as her behooved, / Ne ever did her ey-sight turne arere [...]."

  2. 2
    Behind time; overdue. obsolete

    "In case the annuity should be arrear for sixty days being lawfully demanded, then the trustee might enter upon the premises assigned [...]."

Noun
  1. 1
    Work to be done, obligation.

    "November 4, 1866, James David Forbes, letter to E. C. Batten I have a large arrear of letters to write."

  2. 2
    Unpaid debt.

    "fall into arrears"

  3. 3
    That which is in the rear or behind.

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English arere, from Old French arere, from Vulgar Latin *ad retro (literally “to the rear”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English arere, from Old French arere, from Vulgar Latin *ad retro (literally “to the rear”).

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