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View synonyms for backset

backset

[ bak-set ]

noun

  1. New England, Southern, and South Midland U.S.
    1. a setback; relapse; reverse.
    2. an eddy or countercurrent.
  2. (on a lock on a door or the like) the horizontal distance between the face through which the bolt passes and the center line of the knob stem or keyhole.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of backset1

First recorded in 1565–75; back 2 + set

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Example Sentences

Still well, but sit out in the cool air too long, and take a slight backset.

So Thad determined that should they meet with another backset, he was bound to put the matter before his chums in its true light.

If you find anything that will enable me to give that gentleman a financial backset Ill see that you get a handsome reward.

The water is backset by a mill-dam for two miles, forming a small lake.

Its backset, however, is caught in the yawning mouth of the race.

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backseat driverback shaft