Found 1 items, similar to To back out.
English → English (gcide) Definition: To back out Back \Back\, v. i. 1. To move or go backward; as, the horse refuses to back. [1913 Webster] 2. (Naut.) To change from one quarter to another by a course opposite to that of the sun; -- used of the wind. [1913 Webster] 3. (Sporting) To stand still behind another dog which has pointed; -- said of a dog. [Eng.] [1913 Webster] To back and fill, to manage the sails of a ship so that the wind strikes them alternately in front and behind, in order to keep the ship in the middle of a river or channel while the current or tide carries the vessel against the wind. Hence: (Fig.) To take opposite positions alternately; to assert and deny. [Colloq.] To back out, To back down, to retreat or withdraw from a promise, engagement, or contest; to recede. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster] Cleon at first . . . was willing to go; but, finding that he [Nicias] was in earnest, he tried to back out. --Jowett (Thucyd. ) [1913 Webster]