Back″ground′ (�), n. [Back, a. + ground.]
1. Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the foreground, or the ground in front.
2. (Paint.) The space which is behind and subordinate to a portrait or group of figures.
☞ The distance in a picture is usually divided into foreground, middle distance, and background. Fairholt.
3. Anything behind, serving as a foil; as, the statue had a background of red hangings.
4. A place in obscurity or retirement, or out of sight.
I fancy there was a background of grinding and waiting before Miss Torry could produce this highly finished... performance.
Mrs. Alexander.
A husband somewhere in the background.
Thackeray.
To place in the background, to make of little consequence.