backer-up

[bak-er-uhp]

noun

plural

backers-up 

1. a supporter; backer; second.

2. Football.,  a linebacker.

Word History and Origins

Origin of backer-up¹

1920–25; back up + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Ducie is the backer-up against you, and she be to go to her ain folks to-morrow.

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She did not often care to wage battle with Opal herself, but she keenly enjoyed hearing somebody else do it, and was ready to act "backer-up" within limits.

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Macfarlane, however, was certainly not the best of the lot, but a very safe man, and could play equally well on the left wing or the centre, and, if I mistake not, work excellently as a backer-up to J. M'Gregor.

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He, poor fellow, expected his club would have an easy victory, and this belief was shared in by not a few of the eleven besides, including my master, who had, by the way, emerged into a centre forward since the last match with the Kilmarackers, and as a consequence he gave me a deal of extra work as a backer-up to Mat.

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He was rather a neat dribbler and good backer-up, but a little slow in tackling.

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