[f. BACK adv. + SLIDE v. (In this and its derivatives, the stress varies between ·: and :·)] To slide back, in a figurative sense; to fall away from attained excellence, esp. of religious faith and practice; to relapse.
1581. J. Bell, Haddon’s Answ. Osorius, 503. The onely righteousnesse of Fayth, from whence they were back-slyden.
1641. Milton, Ch. Discip., I. Wks. (1851), 2. To backslide … into the Jewish beggery of old cast rudiments.
1835. Marryat, Jac. Faithf., xxi. Did not I … backslide into intemperance and folly?
