backfriend

• back-friend

From back +‎ friend.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈbækˌfɹɛnd/

  • Audio (UK)

    (file)

backfriend (plural backfriends)

1. (UK, dialectal, obsolete) A false friend; a secret enemy.
   • 1692, Roger L’Estrange, “ (please specify the fable number.) (please specify the name of the fable.)”, in Fables, of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists: […], London: […] R[ichard] Sare, […], →OCLC:

     Set the restless importunities of talebearers and backfriends against fair words and professions

   • 1692–1717, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), 6th edition, London: […] J[ames] Bettenham, for Jonah Bowyer, […], published 1727, →OCLC:

     Far is our church from encroaching upon the civil power; as some who are back-friends to both would maliciously insinuate.

   • 1822, Sir Walter Scott, The Fortunes of Nigel:

     Ye have back-friends, my lord, that is, un-friends, or to be plain, enemies.

2. (UK, dialectal) A friend at one's back; a backer; one who does his best for another; a supporter.

   Related terms: have someone's back

   • 1708, Michael Bruce, Good news in evil times for fainting believers, or The summ of a lecture upon Jeremiah 45 chapter; together with another lecture on the 28 chapter of Matthew, page 64:

     Now well's us for our Back-friend, he will ay our Cause

   • 2010, David Carkeet, Double Negative:

     I've got a backfriend to meet.'” “A 'backfriend'?” “Yes. Evidently he had a late-night appointment with someone at Wabash. That was the way he liked to do it.”

3. (UK, dialectal) A hangnail.