backgain

English

Etymology 1

Alteration of back-ganging (noun), equivalent to back- +‎ ganging.

Alternative forms

• backgaun, back-gang, back-gannin
• backgane (Scotland)

Noun

backgain (plural backgains)

1. (UK dialectal) A relapse.
2. (UK dialectal) A decline; consumption.
3. (UK dialectal) A relapse in illness.

Etymology 2

Alteration of back-ganging (adjective), equivalent to back +‎ ganging.

Alternative forms

• back-ga'en, back-gaen

Adjective

backgain (comparative more backgain, superlative most backgain)

1. (UK dialectal) Receding; going back.
2. (UK dialectal, of persons) Not thriving in health or in worldly concerns.

   a backgain family

See also

• back-ganging