Dictionary

To go in the reverse direction.

Example: the train backed into the station;  the horse refuses to back

To support.

Example: I back you all the way;  which horse are you backing in this race?

(of the wind) To change direction contrary to the normal pattern; that is, to shift anticlockwise in the northern hemisphere, or clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

(of a square sail) To brace the yards so that the wind presses on the front of the sail, to slow the ship.

Put on one's back; killed; rendered dead.

Example: He wishes to have the senior, or old square-toes, backed; he longs to have his father on six men's shoulders; that is, carried to the grave.

(in combination) Having specified type of back.

Example: a high-backed chair

(in combination) Having specified type of backing.

Example: asset-backed securities