rear1

 
Pronunciation: /rɪə/

noun

[in singular]
  • the back part of something, especially a building or vehicle: the kitchen door at the rear of the house
  • the space or position at the back of something or someone: the field at the rear of the church
  • the hindmost part of an army, fleet, or line of people: two policemen at the rear fell out of the formation
  • (also rear end) informal a person’s buttocks.

adjective

[attributive]
  • at the back: the car’s rear window

Phrases

bring up the rear

be at the very end of a line of people: I made the men walk in front while I brought up the rear
come last in a race or other contest: the investigation into business failures shows Scotland bringing up the rear

take someone in rear

attack an army from behind: the object of taking in rear all Austrian forces

Origin:

Middle English (first used as a military term): from Old French rere, based on Latin retro 'back'