rearward

Etymology

From rear + -ward.

noun

1. The part that comes last or is situated in the rear; conclusion, wind-up.
   For, though it were a knowen corruption, and therefore ſhould haue beene auoyded; yet [Robert] Bellarmine in muſtering vp the Fathers authorities, for proofe of the reading, ipſa (the beſt ground of their Mariolatrie) brings in [John] Chryſoſtom in the rereward. 1611, Thomas Iames [i.e., Thomas James], “The 32. Place Corrupted, in the 17. Homily of Chrys[ostom] vpon Gen[esis] To[me] 1. Pg. 97.”, in A Treatise of the Corrvption of Scripture, Councels, and Fathers, by the Prelats, Pastors, and Pillars of the Church of Rome, for Maintenance of Popery and Irreligion.[…], London: […] H. L. for Mathew Lownes, →OCLC; republished London: […] H. L. for Mathew Lownes; […], 1612, →OCLC, part II (Corruption of the True Fathers), page 85
2. The last troop; the rear of an army; a rear guard.

adj

1. Toward the back or rear of something.
   The rearward seats of the bus were unpleasantly close to the toilet facilities.

adv

1. Toward the back or rear of something.
   The ensuing struggle was bitter but brief, as for a third time the Alabamians stumbled rearward through the cedars. If Manigault were to take the guns, he would need help. 1991, Peter Cozzens, Better Place to Die: The Battle of Stones River, page 124