quarterback

Etymology

From quarter + back, in reference to position in front of the halfback position.

noun

1. (American football, Canadian football) An offensive back whose primary job is to pass the ball in a play.
   Standing 6-foot-6, 237 pounds, Herbert’s size and arm strength are consistent with a prototypical N.F.L. quarterback, and he led the Ducks to a Pac-12 championship and a victory at the Rose Bowl in January with not much talent at receiver. April 24 2020, Ken Belson, Ben Shpigel, “Full Round 1 2020 N.F.L. Picks and Analysis”, in New York Time
2. (American football, historical) An offensive back who receives the snap (hike) and then blocks the defense from crossing the line of scrimmage; a blocking back.
3. (rugby football, historical) A position just behind the forwards, or one who plays this position.

verb

1. (American football) To play the position of quarterback.
2. (by extension) To lead a team or group; to be primarily responsible for some group project or activity.
   Wayman's major responsibility is to quarterback the team, coordinating business development, project scheduling and management and quality control. 1981, “Interiors roundtable”, in Lodging Hospitality, volume 37, page 250