Back, adv. [Shortened from aback.] 1. In, to, or toward, the rear; as, to stand back; to step back.
2. To the place from which one came; to the place or person from which something is taken or derived; as, to go back for something left behind; to go back to one's native place; to put a book back after reading it.
3. To a former state, condition, or station; as, to go back to private life; to go back to barbarism.
4. (Of time) In times past; ago. “Sixty or seventy years back.” Gladstone.
5. Away from contact; by reverse movement.
The angel of the Lord... came, and rolled back the stone from the door.
Matt. xxviii. 2.
6. In concealment or reserve; in one's own possession; as, to keep back the truth; to keep back part of the money due to another.
7. In a state of restraint or hindrance.
The Lord hath kept thee back from honor.
Numb. xxiv. 11.
8. In return, repayment, or requital.
What have I to give you back?
Shak.
9. In withdrawal from a statement, promise, or undertaking; as, he took back the offensive words.
10. In arrear; as, to be back in one's rent.
Back and forth, backwards and forwards; to and fro. — To go back on, to turn back from; to abandon; to betray; as, to go back on a friend; to go back on one's professions.