Obs. [f. BACKWARD a. Cf. to forward.] To put or keep back, delay, retard.
1594. Plat, Jewell-ho., III. 3. Whereby he did greatly backward the tree in his bearing.
1642. Declar. Lords & Comm., 16 Nov., 4. To hinder or backward the said former undertakings.
a. 1660. Hammond, Serm., XV. (R.). One that doth so clog and trash, so disadvantage and backward us.
