Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Backlash
Back′lashˊ
(băk′lăshˊ)
, Noun.
[
Back
, adv. + lash
.] 1.
(Mech.)
The distance through which one part of connected machinery, as a wheel, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, resulting from looseness in fitting or from wear; also, the jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion.