back line

noun

variants or less commonly backline

ˈbak-ˌlīn 

plural back lines also backlines

: the group or line of defensive players in some sports (such as ice hockey, soccer, and rugby)

Though it ends with Rolfe and forward Mike Magee, the counterattack can only start if the back line is solid with the ball.

—Seth Gruen, Chicago Sun-Times, 7 July 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

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