əˈri(ə)r, -iə also aˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: obsolete arrear, adverb, behindhand, from Middle English arrere behind, backward, from Middle French, from Old French ariere, arriere, arrere, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin ad retro backward, from Latin ad to + retro backward, behind — more at at , retro-
1. : the state of being behind in the discharge of duties, obligations, or responsibilities — usually used in plural
he is in arrears with his payments
2. archaic : the rear part (as of a procession)
3. usually plural
a. : an obligation that has not been met on time or duty that is unfinished
set about the arrears of work that had piled up — Nevil Shute
b. : an unpaid and overdue debt ; especially : a remainder or balance due
after securing to the present incumbents all arrears in salary — C.G.Bowers
4. archaic : something that is held back or in reserve
Synonyms: see debt