onbæc

Old English

Etymology

on + bæc

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /onˈbæk/

Adverb

onbæc

1. backwards, back
   • c. 990, Wessex Gospels, John 6:66

     Siþþan maniġe his leornungcneohta ċierdon onbæc and lenġ ne ēodon mid him.

     After that, many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.

   • c. 990, Wessex Gospels, Luke 9:62

     Nān mann þe his hand āsett on his sulh and onbæc besihþ nis andfenġe Godes rīċe.

     No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.

Synonyms

• underbæc

Descendants

• Middle English: abak, obak, abac
  • English: aback
  • Scots: aback, a-back