■ plural noun payments or debts that are outstanding and due.
Phrases
in ~ (also chiefly Law in arrear )
1》 behind with paying money that is owed.
↘(of wages or rent) paid at the end of each period of work or occupation.
2》 (of a competitor in a race) falling behind others.
Derivatives
arrearage noun
Origin
ME: from arrear (adverb) 'behind, overdue', from OFr. arere , from med. L. adretro , from ad- 'towards' + retro 'backwards'.