Search the Dictionary

The salt-marsh terrapin of the Atlantic coast (Malacoclemmys palustris).

value, success, etc.; a discouragement or hindrance; objectionable feature. The avaridrawback from the wisdom ascribed to him. Hallam.

The menhaden.

, and allied genera, of the family Balænopteridæ, characterized by a prominent fin on the back. The common finbacks of the New England coast are Sibbaldius tectirostris and S. tuberosus.

Streaked or spotted on the back; -- said of cattle.

One of several species of pheasants of the genus Euplocamus, having the lower back a bright, fiery red. They inhabit Southern Asia and the East Indies.

The California gray whale.

tender notes of the United States; -- first issued in 1862, and having the devices on the back printed with green ink, to prevent alterations and counterfeits.

One of those who supported greenback or paper money, and opposed the resumption of specie payments. [Colloq. U. S.]

A hogback.

An upward curve or very obtuse angle in the upper surface of any member, as of a timber laid horizontally; -- the opposite of camber.

Check; hindrance; restraint; obstacle. The only holdback is the affection . . . that we bear to our wealth. Hammond.

The back of a horse.

A kind of linen cloth with raised figures, used for towelings.

Round-shoulded.

A crooked back; a humped back. Tatler.

Having a humped back.

A small salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) which ascends the rivers of the Pacific coast from California to Alaska, and also on the Asiatic side. In the breeding season the male has a large dorsal hump and distorted jaws.

A back with a hunch or hump; also, a hunchbacked person.

Having a humped back.