Ar*rear" (&?;), adv. [OE. arere, OF. arere, ariere, F. arrière, 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.