Definition of hind

The word "hind" has its origins in the Old English language, where it was used to describe something that was behind or far away. The Old English word "hind," which literally meant "back" or "behind," was often used to refer to objects or people that were located in the rear or distant areas of a place. Over time, the meaning of the word "hind" evolved in different ways depending on the context. In the Middle English period, it became commonly used to refer to wild animals that were hunted in the forest, particularly large quadrupeds such as deer and elk. In this sense, it represented a hunter's perspective, as they would often approach and attempt to catch animals from behind, or from a position that was hidden or concealed. The use of "hind" to describe an animal is still observed in modern English, particularly in the expression "hindmost," which refers to the rear or last position in a group or sequence. However, the word has largely fallen out of use in everyday English, and is now considered less common and less frequent than its more commonly used synonym "rear." Overall, the history of "hind" exemplifies how meanings of words can change over time, as they are adapted and repurposed by different cultures and language communities for different uses and needs.