Be*hind"hand` (&?;), adv. & a. [Behind + hand.]

1. In arrears financially; in a state where expenditures have exceeded the receipt of funds.

2. In a state of backwardness, in respect to what is seasonable or appropriate, or as to what should have been accomplished; not equally forward with some other person or thing; dilatory; backward; late; tardy; as, behindhand in studies or in work.

In this also [dress] the country are very much behindhand.
Addison.