backer-up

American  

[bak-er-uhp] / ˈbæk ərˈʌp /

noun

plural

backers-up

1. a supporter; backer; second.

2. Football. a linebacker.

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Etymology

Origin of backer-up

1920–25; back up + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Fortunately for Katherine, his former housekeeper was greedy and extravagant, so that his niece's management seemed wise and economical, and she had an excellent backer-up in Mr. Newton.

From A Crooked Path A Novel by Alexander, Mrs.

She did not often care to wage battle with Opal herself, but she keenly enjoyed hearing somebody else do it, and was ready to act "backer-up" within limits.

From A Fortunate Term by Brazil, Angela

He was rather a neat dribbler and good backer-up, but a little slow in tackling.

From Scottish Football Reminiscences and Sketches by Bone, David Drummond

Ducie is the backer-up against you, and she be to go to her ain folks to-morrow.

From A Reconstructed Marriage by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston