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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
BEHINDHAND, a. [behind and hand.] In arrear; in an exhausted state; in a state in which rent or profit has been anticipated, and expenditures precede the receipt of funds to supply them. In popular use, a state of poverty, in which the means of living are not adequate to the end. Also, in a state of backwardness, in which a particular business has been delayed beyond the proper season for performing it; as, he is behindhand in his business.
Behindhand with, is behind in progress; not upon equal terms in forwardness; as to be behindhand with the fashionable world.
This word is really an adjective, as it is applied to the person rather than to the verb; but like adrift,aloft, ashamed, and several other words, never precedes the noun. Shakespeare's "behindhand slackness." therefore, according to present usage, is not a legitimate phrase.
In arrears financially] in a state where
expenditures have exceeded the receipt of funds.
In a state of backwardness, in respect to what
is seasonable or appropriate, or as to what should have been accomplished;
not equally forward with some other person or thing; dilatory; backward;
late; tardy; as, behindhand in studies or in work.
In this also [dress] the country are very much
behindhand. | ||||||||