| 1. | Surveying. the interval by which a chain or tape exceeds the length being measured. |
| 2. | setback (def. 4). |
| 1. | a check to progress; a reverse or defeat: The new law was a setback. |
| 2. | Architecture. a recession of the upper part of a building from the building line, as to lighten the structure or to permit a desired amount of light and air to reach ground level at the foot of the building. |
| 3. | an act or instance of setting back: A nightly setback of your home thermostats can save a great deal of fuel. |
| 4. | Also, set-back. a downward temperature adjustment of a thermostat, esp. performed automatically, as by a timer. |
