rear, rere

& a. [O. French riere backward, behind; Fr. arrière (Mid. Eng. arere ), from Latin retro backward; re- =backward.] A. As substantive : 1. That which is behind or at the back; the last in order; the hinder or back part; the background. (Generally used in the phrases at , in , or to the rear.) "For while one party he opposed, His rear was suddenly enclosed." Butler: Hudibras, i. 3. 2. Specif .: That part of an army or body of troops which stands or marches behind the rest; the part of a fleet which is behind the other ships. (Opposed to front or van .) B. As adj .: Pertaining to, stationed in, or coming at the rear or back; last, hindermost; as, a rear rank, a rear guard. To bring up the rear: To come last or latest. rear-admiral, s . [ADMIRAL.]