Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
background
back′groundˊ
,Noun.
[
Back
, a. + ground
.] 1.
Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the
foreground
, or the ground in front. 2.
(Paint.)
The space which is behind and subordinate to a portrait or group of figures.
☞ The distance in a picture is usually divided into foreground, middle distance, and background.
Fairholt.
3.
Anything behind, serving as a foil;
as, the statue had a
. background
of red hangings4.
A place in obscurity or retirement, or out of sight.
I fancy there was a
background
of grinding and waiting before Miss Torry could produce this highly finished . . . performance. Mrs. Alexander.
A husband somewhere in the
background
. Thackeray.
Webster 1828 Edition
Background
BACK'GROUND
,Noun.
2.
A place of obscurity, or shade; a situation little seen, or noticed.