English

Noun

rearward ‎(plural rearwards)

1. The part that comes last or is situated in the rear; conclusion; wind-up.
   • 1599, William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, Act 4 Scene 1

     Do not live, Hero; do not ope thine eyes;

     For, did I think thou wouldst not quickly die,

     Thought I thy spirits were stronger than thy shames,

     Myself would, on the rearward of reproaches,

     Strike at thy life.

2. The last troop; the rear of an army; a rear guard.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Shakespeare to this entry?)

Adjective

rearward ‎(comparative more rearward, superlative most rearward)

1. Toward the back or rear of something.

   The rearward seats of the bus were unpleasantly close to the toilet facilities.

Adverb

rearward ‎(comparative more rearward, superlative most rearward)

1. Toward the back or rear of something.

   She stumbled rearward through the bus, hoping to make it to the toilet before she caused a mess.