1. In a general sense, that which is behind or backwards; appropriately, the part of an army which is behind the other, either when standing on parade or when marching; also, the part of a fleet which is behind the other. It is opposed to front or van. Bring up the rear
2. The last class; the last in order.
Coins I place in the rear
In the rear behind the rest; backward, or in the last class. In this phrase, rear signifies the part or place behind.
1. Raw; rare; not well roasted or boiled.
2. Early. [A provincial word.]
REAR, verb transitive
1. To raise.
Who now shall rear you to the sun, or rank your tribes?
2. To lift after a fall.
In adoration at his feet I fell submiss; he rear'd me.
3. To bring up or to raise to maturity, as young; as, to rear a numerous offspring.
4. To educate; to instruct.
He wants a father to protect his youth, and rear him up to virtue.
5. To exalt; to elevate.
Charity, decent, modest, easy, kind, softens the high, and rears the abject mind.
6. To rouse; to stir up.
And seeks the tusky boar to rear
7. To raise; to breed; as cattle.
8. To achieve; to obtain.
To rear the steps, to ascend; to move upward.