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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Rear


REAR, noun

1. In a general sense, that which is behind or backwards; appropriately, the part of an army which is behind the other, either when standing on parade or when marching; also, the part of a fleet which is behind the other. It is opposed to front or van. Bring up the rear

2. The last class; the last in order.

Coins I place in the rear

In the rear behind the rest; backward, or in the last class. In this phrase, rear signifies the part or place behind.

REAR, adjective

1. Raw; rare; not well roasted or boiled.

2. Early. [A provincial word.]

REAR, verb transitive

1. To raise.

Who now shall rear you to the sun, or rank your tribes?

2. To lift after a fall.

In adoration at his feet I fell submiss; he rear'd me.

3. To bring up or to raise to maturity, as young; as, to rear a numerous offspring.

4. To educate; to instruct.

He wants a father to protect his youth, and rear him up to virtue.

5. To exalt; to elevate.

Charity, decent, modest, easy, kind, softens the high, and rears the abject mind.

6. To rouse; to stir up.

And seeks the tusky boar to rear

7. To raise; to breed; as cattle.

8. To achieve; to obtain.

To rear the steps, to ascend; to move upward.