backbiter
/ˈbæk.baɪt.ə(ɹ)/
BÆK · baɪt · ə(ɹ) (3 syllables)
English
Noun
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Definition
A person who says nasty things about another person behind the second person's back: that is, out of their sight and hearing.
Etymology
From Middle English bakbitere, bakbytere, bacbitere, equivalent to backbite + -er.
Example Sentences
- "[…] here were no Gibers, Cenſurers, Backbiters, Pick-pockets, Highwaymen, Houſebreakers, Attorneys, Bawds, Buffoons, Gameſters, Politicians, Wits, ſplenetick tedious Talkers, Controvertiſts, Raviſhers, Murderers, Robbers, Virtuoſo's; […]"
- "She better not hear none of them old backbiters talking about her husband!"
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