rear1
n.
- the back or hindmost part of something.
-
(also rear end)
informal a person's buttocks.
adj.
at the back.
Phrase
- bring up the rear
- be at the very end of a queue.
- come last in a race.
Etymology
ME from OFr. rere, based on L. retro ‘back’.
rear2
v.
- bring up and care for (a child).
▸(of an animal) care for (young) until fully grown.
▸breed and raise (animals).
▸grow or cultivate (plants).
- (of an animal) raise itself upright on its hind legs.
▸ archaic set or lift upright.
- (of a building, mountain, etc.) extend or appear to extend to a great height.
-
(rear up)
show anger or irritation.
Derivative
Etymology
OE ræran ‘set upright, construct, elevate’, of Gmc origin; rel. to raise and rise.