Forms: 5 backyd, 6 backt (Sc. bakkit), 6 backed. [f. BACK sb. and v. + -ED.]
1. adj. Provided with a back, having a back, background, or backing; used particularly in composition, e.g., broad-backed, pig-backed, hog-backed.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XII. xiii. (1495), 422. Scabbyd horses and sore backyd.
1530. Palsgr., 442/2. This sworde is well backed.
1602. Shaks., Ham., III. ii. 397. It is backd like a Weazell.
1670. G. H., Hist. Cardinals, I. iii. 78. Upon a backd chair.
1716. Lond. Gaz., No. 5395/4. One gray Nagg somewhat Pigg-backed.
1863. Kingsley, Water-Bab., ii. 48. Whitebeam with its great silver-backed leaves.
2. pple. and a. Supported at the back, seconded, abetted; betted on; mounted, broken in to the saddle; endorsed, printed on the back; moved or laid back. (See the verb.)
1589. Pappe w. Hatchet (1844), 15. Art thou so backt that none dare blade it with thee?
c. 1590. Burell, Queens Entry. Far better bakkit nor ane laird.
1611. Shaks., Cymb., V. i. 427. Great Iupiter, upon his Eagle backd.
1692. Ray, Dissol. World, Pref. (1732), 12. Well backd by Divine Authority.
1725. Bradley, Fam. Dict., s.v. Rot, Take the Horse, if he be about four Years old and backd.
1846. Print. Appar. for Amateurs, 42. When the paper is backed or has two impressions.