backword

English

Etymology

back +‎ word

Noun

backword (plural backwords)

  1. A contention, retort, or reply.
  2. A contradiction or answer to put off an engagement; a countermand.
    • 2020, Hilary Mantel, The Mirror and the Light, Fourth Estate, page 840:
      Richard has compounded with some Italians to paint a mural of his triumph [...] The time may come when the scene is bitter in his eyes, but he should paint it anyway. He should not give backword to the Italians — it is how they get their living.
  3. A section of commentary at the end of a book.

See also
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