rearward

English

Etymology

rear +‎ -ward

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɹiɹ.wɝ d/

Noun

rearward (plural rearwards)

1. The part that comes last or is situated in the rear; conclusion, wind-up.
   • 1611, Thomas Iames [i.e., Thomas James], “The 32. Place Corrupted, in the 17. Homily of Chrys[ostom] vpon Gen[esis] To[me] 1. Pg. 97.”, in A Treatise of the Corrvption of Scripture, Councels, and Fathers, by the Prelats, Pastors, and Pillars of the Church of Rome, for Maintenance of Popery and Irreligion. […], London: Printed by H. L. for Mathew Lownes, →OCLC; republished London: Printed by H. L. for Mathew Lownes;  […], 1612, →OCLC, part II (Corruption of the True Fathers), page 85:

     For, though it were a knowen corruption, and therefore ſhould haue beene auoyded; yet [Robert] Bellarmine in muſtering vp the Fathers authorities, for proofe of the reading, ipſa (the beſt ground of their Mariolatrie) brings in [John] Chryſoſtom in the rereward.

2. The last troop; the rear of an army; a rear guard.
   • 1609, William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 90”, in Shake-speares Sonnets. […], London: By G[eorge] Eld for T[homas] T[horpe] and are to be sold by William Aspley, →OCLC:

     Come in the rearward of a conquered woe

Alternative forms

• rereward (obsolete)

Adjective

rearward (comparative more rearward, superlative most rearward)

1. Toward the back or rear of something.

   The rearward seats of the bus were unpleasantly close to the toilet facilities.

Adverb

rearward

1. Toward the back or rear of something.
   • 1991, Peter Cozzens, Better Place to Die: The Battle of Stones River (page 124)

     The ensuing struggle was bitter but brief, as for a third time the Alabamians stumbled rearward through the cedars. If Manigault were to take the guns, he would need help.