(a) Nautical (usually in plural) a tackle used on board ship to pull and manoeuvre heavy artillery (now historical); (b) American Football…

(a) a protective covering for the nose; (b) American Football = middle guard n. (b) at middle, adj. n.compounds 1a; cf. nose tackle n.

American Football. In offensive play: a player, esp. a running back, who advances the ball by rushing (see rush, v.2 11a). Also (in defensive play)…

spec. Rugby and (occasionally) American Football. A player who specializes in taking goal kicks (goal kick, n. 1a). Cf. place-kicker, n., kicker, n.…

American Football. Originally: a player stationed between the forwards and halfbacks, by whom the team's play is coordinated and directed. In modern…

American Football. An (offensive) player who runs the ball, or whose role is to do this; a ball carrier. Cf. rusher, n.2 4.

Football. Now rare. American Football. = quarterback, n. 2a.

American Football and Canadian Football. Usually in form fullback. An offensive player in the backfield who runs the ball or blocks for the…

American Football and Canadian Football. A centre player; the centre-rusher. ? Obsolete.

American Football. Also snapper-back = snap-back, n. 1a.

an offensive player whose primary role is to advance the ball by running with it, esp. after a handoff.

In American football: Each of two players (right and left) stationed next to the end rusher or forward in the rush-line.

either of the players positioned at each end of the defensive line; (also) the position of such a player.

American Football. Either of the two players (called the right guard and left guard respectively) that are stationed one on each side of the…

American Football. One who interposes between a runner and a tackler.

American Football. A player who catches a forward pass; spec. an offensive player eligible to catch a forward pass. Also: a defensive player…

a defensive player positioned behind the linebackers and the defensive line, typically a safety (safety, n. 11) or cornerback (corner-back n. at c…

a defensive player positioned at or near the centre of the defensive line; (also) the position of such a player; cf. tackle, n. 9b.

American Football. = safety, n. 11.

a player who handles the ball in an offensive play, or whose role is to do this.

any player positioned on the defensive line.

Canadian. A sportsperson (esp. a football or hockey player) born or raised in the same place as the team for which he or she plays.

any player positioned on the offensive line.

American Football and Canadian Football. A forward.

American Football. A player who collects the ball from a punt or kick-off and carries it back towards the opposing team; esp. a player…

a player, typically a quarterback, who signals the next play or formation to other team members.

In various team sports. American Football. A defensive player who moves about freely in the defensive zone in response to the action on the field.

American Football. (a) The act of interposing between a runner and a tackler to obstruct the latter; (b) see quot. 1895; (c) a player or players…

a player who fields and runs punts; esp. a player specializing in this.

A player who prevents the opposing quarterback from passing by engaging in a pass rush; a defensive lineman. Cf. pass rush, n.

in U.S. Football, the player stationed farthest from the forwards.

American Football. A defensive back who plays in the deepest position and is typically responsible for pass coverage, tackling a ball carrier…

American Football. An offensive player whose task is to obstruct an opponent with his own body. Also figurative.

Sport. A player who deceives an opponent by feinting a pass, etc. Cf. fake, v.2 8.

A fast-running backfield player.

In American Football, (a) an official on the sideline with certain duties governed by the rules of the game (see quot. 1969); (b) = lineman, n. 4. In…

One posted or stationed on either flank. = flank forward n. at flank, n.1 compounds 2. Also in American and Canadian football (see quot. 1961).

American Football. A player in a unit of attack or defence; spec. a player who plays in only one such unit. Cf. platoon, n. 3a.

in certain field sports (esp. American Football), (one playing in) a defensive position on the wing.

American Football. Designating an offensive lineman who withdraws from the line of scrimmage and crosses behind it to block for a runner. Esp. in pu…

(American Football and Canadian Football), an end (end, n. 3g) positioned at some distance from the rest of the formation.

= returner, n. 2b.

(the position of) a back who stands behind a gap in the forward line.

a defensive player who typically plays opposite the strong side of the offensive line, behind the linebackers but closer to the line of scrimmage…

a pass receiver who stands several yards to the side of an offensive formation; cf. wideout n.

(See quot. 1961).

a player who passes from the pocket (sense A. 10b).

an offensive end (end, n. 3g) who lines up close to the tackle; the position occupied by this player.

an offensive player who blocks opponents in order to protect the ball carrier; = blocker, n. 4b.

= wide receiver n.

a defensive back who blitzes.