Back"ground` (?), n. [Back, a. + ground.]
1.
Ground in the rear or behind, or in the distance, as opposed to the foreground, or the ground in front.
2. Paint.
The space which is behind and subordinate to a portrait or group of figures.
⇒ The distance in a picture is usually divided into foreground, middle distance, and background.
Fairholt.
3.
Anything behind, serving as a foil; as, the statue had a background of red hangings.
4.
A place in obscurity or retirement, or out of sight.
I fancy there was a background of grinding and waiting before Miss Torry could produce this highly finished . . . performance.
Mrs. Alexander.
A husband somewhere in the background.
Thackeray.
© Webster 1913.