The Collaborative International Dictionary
Arrear \Ar*rear"\, n.
That which is behind in payment, or which remains unpaid,
though due; esp. a remainder, or balance which remains due
when some part has been paid; arrearage; -- commonly used in
the plural, as, arrears of rent, wages, or taxes.
--Locke.
For much I dread due payment by the Greeks
Of yesterday's arrear.
--Cowper.
I have a large arrear of letters to write.
--J. D.
Forbes.
In arrear or In arrears, behind; backward; behindhand; in debt.
Usage examples of "in arrear".
Godfrey's charitable work was in arrear, I thought it odd that he should be going out driving, like an idle man.
Did you proclaim war against your country, did you desert the people of Rome in favour of the Ilergetes, did you trample underfoot all law, human and divine, simply because your pay was a few days in arrear owing to your general's illness?