adv. (and a.) Also 6–7 behind the hand. [f. BEHIND prep. + HAND, probably on the analogy of beforehand. Properly an adverb, but in common use as complement of the predicate, in ‘to be behindhand,’ where the distinction of adverb and adjective breaks down: hence sometimes attributively.]
1. In arrear as to the discharge of one’s liabilities, in a state of insolvency, in debt. (Const. with.)
1530. Palsgr., 423/2. I am behynde the hande as a man is that is fallen in pouerty.
1535. Latimer, Serm. & Rem. (1845), 367. He can tell you of more as far behindhand as he.
1542. Udall, Apoph. Erasm., 319 b. Sore behynde hande in debte.
1618. Wotton, in Reliq. Wotton. (1685), 258. He was Poor and somewhat behind hand.
1647. W. Browne, Polexander, I. 134. I finde my selfe behindehand with him more than I am able to pay him.
1704. Swift, T. Tub, § 2 (1709), 48. Having run something behind-hand with the world.
1752. Johnson, Rambl., No. 191, ¶ 1. A cold which has … put me seventeen visits behind-hand.
b. In the position of a creditor, entitled to money which is in arrear.
1666. Pepys, Diary, 19 Dec. Many … are ready to starve, they being five years behind-hand for their wages.
2. Behind time, late, too late, ‘after the event’; out of date, behind the times.
1549. Compl. Scot., 115. This vryting is cum ouer lait and behynd the hand.
1645. W. Lithgow, Siege Newcastle (1820), 31. Scottish-men are aye wise behinde the hand.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 129, ¶ 5. A Justice of Peace’s Lady, who was at least ten years behindhand in her Dress.
1837. Carlyle, Fr. Rev., I. I. V. ii. 131. Folly is that wisdom which is wise only behindhand.
1875. Browning, Aristoph. Apol., 302. Am I perhaps behindhand? come too late?
3. In a state of backwardness, less advanced than others (in); ill provided or prepared (with).
1542. Udall, Apoph. Erasm., 169 a. Leauyng me behynd hande in bountifulnesse.
1601. R. Johnson, Kingd. & Commw., 84. Unfurnished of warre provision … being exceedingly behind hand.
1701. W. Wotton, Hist. Rome, 285. Severus was not behind-hand in anything that had been customary.
1768. Sterne, Sent. Journ. (1770), I. 140. Not to be behind hand in politeness with La Fleur.
1845. Disraeli, Sybil (1863), 59. Ah! you were abroad at the time, and so you are behindhand.
1851. Hawthorne, Snow Image (1879), 223. A whole class who were behindhand with their lessons.
b. In an incomplete state, unfinished.
1853. Robertson, Serm., Ser. II. vii. 101. Was there … something behindhand of Christ’s sufferings remaining uncompleted?
4. attrib. Backward, tardy, hanging back.
1611. Shaks., Wint. T., V. i. 151. Interpreters Of my behind-hand slacknesse.
† 5. quasi-sb. The state of being behind. Obs.
1580. Sidney, Arcadia, II. (1613), 123. Hee … invaded Thessalia, and brought Dorilaus to some behind-hand of fortune.
1611. Cotgr., Perdre pied, to … be driuen to a behind-hand.
