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The act of moving backward, or of putting or moving anything backward.

nsisting of strips of worsted chenille so colored as to produce a pattern on a stout jute backing. It has a fine soft pile. So called from Axminster, England, where it was formerly (1755 -- 1835) made.

The backing or steaming of clams on heated stones, between layers of seaweed; hence, a picnic party, gathered on such an occasion.

A framework of timbers and plank backing for a shaft lining, to prevent caving, percolation of water, etc.

A failure or backing out; specifically (College cant),

h a strap of the harness is attached, to hold back a carriage when going down hill, or in backing; also, the strap or part of the harness so used.

ind of floor cloth made by laying hardened linseed oil mixed with ground cork on a canvas backing.

A mirror made of glass on which has been placed a backing of some reflecting substance, as quicksilver. There is none so homely but loves a looking-glass. South.

. [Obs.] Sir W. Temple. Retaining wall (Arch. & Engin.), a wall built to keep any movable backing, or a bank of sand or earth, in its place; -- called also retain wall.

on in silence, the better class scandalized, and the lower orders, some laughing, others backing the soldier or the minister, as their fancy dictated. Sir W. Scott.

- Wood carpet, a kind of floor covering made of thin pieces of wood secured to a flexible backing, as of cloth. Knight. -- Wood cell (Bot.), a slender cylindrical or prismatic cell usually tapering to a point at both ends. It is the principal constituent of woody fiber. -- Wood choir, the choir, or chorus, of birds i…