holdback

[ hohld-bak ]
/ ˈhoʊldˌbæk /

noun

the iron or strap on the shaft of a horse-drawn vehicle to which the breeching of the harness is attached, enabling the horse to hold back or to back the vehicle.
a device for restraining or checking, as a doorstop or tieback.
a stop or delay: a holdback in negotiations.
a withholding: the holdback of a day's pay.
something, as a planned expenditure or allotment, that is withheld or deferred.

Origin of holdback

First recorded in 1575–85; noun use of verb phrase hold back

Words nearby holdback

hold water, hold with, hold your, hold-up, holdall, holdback, holddown, holden, holder, holder in due course, holdfast

Example sentences from the Web for holdback

  • When the nerve is unduly irritated the holdback, or inhibitory force, is increased, and the heart slows up in the same measure.

    Special Report on Diseases of the Horse |United States Department of Agriculture

  • In the clouds we were passing over Clingman, Gibbs, and Holdback.

    On Horseback |Charles Dudley Warner

  • For this end, during eleven years, all had given their share without stint or holdback.

    Christine |Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr