adv. [ OE. arere, OF. arere, ariere, F. arrière, fr. L. ad + retro backward. See Rear. ] To or in the rear; behind; backwards. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. That which is behind in payment, or which remains unpaid, though due; esp. a remainder, or balance which remains due when some part has been paid; arrearage; -- commonly used in the plural,
For much I dread due payment by the Greeks
Of yesterday's arrear. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]
I have a large arrear of letters to write. J. D. Forbes. [ 1913 Webster ]
In arrear
In arrears
n. [ F. arrérage, fr. arrière, OF. arere. See Arrear. ] That which remains unpaid and overdue, after payment of a part; arrears. [ 1913 Webster ]
The old arrearages . . . being defrayed. Howell. [ 1913 Webster ]