| 释义 |
ar·rear
\əˈri(ə)r, -iə also aˈ-\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: obsolete arrear, adverb, behindhand, from Middle English arrere behind, backward, from Middle French, from Old French ariere, arriere, arrere, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin ad retro backward, from Latin ad to + retro backward, behind — more at at, retro-
1. : the state of being behind in the discharge of duties, obligations, or responsibilities — usually used in plural
< he is in arrears with his payments >
2. archaic : the rear part (as of a procession)
3. usually plural
a. : an obligation that has not been met on time or duty that is unfinished
< set about the arrears of work that had piled up — Nevil Shute >
b. : an unpaid and overdue debt; especially : a remainder or balance due
< after securing to the present incumbents all arrears in salary — C.G.Bowers >
4. archaic : something that is held back or in reserve
Synonyms: see debt |