n. & adj.
—n.
1 the back part of anything.
2 the space behind, or position at the back of, anything (a large house with a terrace at the rear).
3 the hindmost part of an army or fleet.
4 colloq. the buttocks.
—adj. at the back.
Phrases and idioms:
bring up the rear come last. in the rear behind; at the back. rear admiral a naval officer ranking below vice admiral. rear commodore a yacht-club officer below vice commodore. rear-lamp (or -light) a usu. red light at the rear of a vehicle. rear sight the sight nearest to the stock on a firearm. rear-view mirror a mirror fixed inside the windscreen of a motor vehicle enabling the driver to see traffic etc. behind. take in the rear Mil. attack from behind.
Etymology: prob. f. (in the) REARWARD or REARGUARD
2.
v.
1 tr. a bring up and educate (children). b breed and care for (animals). c cultivate (crops).
2 intr. (of a horse etc.) raise itself on its hind legs.
3 tr. a set upright. b build. c hold upwards (rear one's head).
4 intr. extend to a great height.
Derivatives:
rearer n.
Etymology: OE raeligran f. Gmc
Useful english dictionary. 2012.