back and fill

Definitions

1. 1

   To manage a sailing ship so that the wind strikes them alternately in front and behind,…

   To manage a sailing ship so that the wind strikes them alternately in front and behind, in order to keep the ship in the middle of a river or channel while the current or tide carries the vessel against the wind.

   • We brought the other end to the capstan, and hove in upon it until we came to the slip-rope, which we took to the windlass, and walked her up to her chain, the captain helping her by backing and filling the sails.
2. 2

   To zigzag, or make a pivot turn by alternately putting the engine in reverse and forward,…

   To zigzag, or make a pivot turn by alternately putting the engine in reverse and forward, while turning the wheel or tiller.

   • These people brought up their lantern, then, of course; and as we backed and filled to get away, the precious family stood in the light of it--both sexes and various ages--and cursed us till everything turned blue
3. 3

   To take opposite positions alternately

   To take opposite positions alternately; to flip-flop

   • Joe found McDowell a vast improvement upon Hagel. Where the latter had backed and filled and referred to his directors, McDowell, to whom responsibility was as the breath of life, decided instantly.

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