\Ar*rear"\, adv. [OE. arere, OF. arere, ariere, F.
arri[`e]re, fr. L. ad + retro backward. See {Rear}.]
To or in the rear; behind; backwards. [Obs.] --Spenser.

\Ar*rear"\, n.
That which is behind in payment, or which remains unpaid,
though due; esp. a remainder, or balance which remains due
when some part has been paid; arrearage; -- commonly used in
the plural, as, arrears of rent, wages, or taxes. --Locke.
      For much I dread due payment by the Greeks Of
      yesterday's arrear.                      --Cowper.
      I have a large arrear of letters to write. --J. D.
                                               Forbes.
{In arrear} or {In arrears}, behind; backward; behindhand; in
   debt.