rear 1
/rear/ , n.
1. the back of something, as distinguished from the front: The porch is at the rear of the house.
2. the space or position behind something: The bus driver asked the passengers to move to the rear.
3. the buttocks; rump.
4. the hindmost portion of an army, fleet, etc.
5. bring up the rear , to be at the end; follow behind: The army retreated, and the fleeing civilian population brought up the rear.
adj.
6. pertaining to or situated at the rear of something: the rear door of a bus.
[ 1590-1600; aph. var. of ARREAR ]
Syn. 6. See back 1 .
rear 2
/rear/ , v.t.
1. to take care of and support up to maturity: to rear a child.
2. to breed and raise (livestock).
3. to raise by building; erect.
4. to raise to an upright position: to rear a ladder.
5. to lift or hold up; elevate; raise.
v.i.
6. to rise on the hind legs, as a horse or other animal.
7. (of a person) to start up in angry excitement, hot resentment, or the like (usually fol. by up ).
8. to rise high or tower aloft: The skyscraper rears high over the neighboring buildings.
[ bef. 900; ME reren, OE raeran to RAISE; c. Goth -raisjan, ON reisa ]
Syn. 1. nurture, raise. 3. construct. 5. loft.
Usage. 1. See raise .