One who is behind the times; a “has-been.”
1910. So far as the University of Copenhagen is concerned, Dr. Cook is now a “back number.”—N.Y. Evening Post, Jan. 20.
1911. The Trials of a Parson.—If he delivers a written sermon, he is a back-number. If he preaches extempore, he is a shallow thinker.—Pacific Churchman, May.
