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backbite

verb back·bite \ -ˌbīt \

Definition of backbite

backbit; backbitten; backbiting
transitive + intransitive
: to say mean or spiteful things about a person (such as someone who is not present)
  • They beguiled the time by backbiting and intriguing against each other in a foolish kind of way.
  • —Jack London
—

backbiter

noun

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First Known Use of backbite

12th century

in the meaning defined above

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  1. See words that rhyme with backbite Spanish Central: Translation of backbite Nglish: Translation of backbite for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of backbite for Arabic speakers

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