moss-backed \ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\adjective alsomossy-backed\| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\ 1.: having a mosslike growth on the back : overgrown with moss 2.: marked by sluggishness of thought or life : behind the times < moss-backed architectural traditions — Newsweek > < a moss-backed judge — Nation >