verb (used with object), back·bit, back·bit·ten or (Informal) back·bit; back·bit·ing.
- to attack the character or reputation of (a person who is not present).
verb (used without object), back·bit, back·bit·ten or (Informal) back·bit; back·bit·ing.
- to speak unfavorably or slanderously of a person who is not present.
verb -bites, -biting, -bit, -bitten or -bit
- to talk spitefully about (an absent person)
c.1200, bacbitunge, from back (adj. or n.) + biting. Related: back-bite (v.), early 14c.; back-biter (c.1200).