back staff

American

noun

an obsolete instrument for determining the altitude of the sun by facing away from the sun, sighting upon the horizon, adjusting a cursor until its shadow falls upon the sight through which the horizon appears, and measuring the resulting arc.

Etymology

Origin of back staff

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For now, Glenn Medical Center says it needs $40 million to $50 million to restart operations and bring back staff.

From Los Angeles Times

Reuters said that Amazon has been paring back staff over the past two years in areas like communications, devices and podcasting.

From MarketWatch

There was a "strong sense of unity and momentum" as the company welcomed back staff, said global manufacturing director Luis Vara.

From BBC

“No punishment will bring back Staff Sgt. Jesse Sherrill, who epitomized what it is to be a hero. He dedicated his life to being a father, husband, son, brother, friend, coach, mentor, and a New Hampshire State Trooper, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall said in a statement. “His death was a stark reminder of the dangers that our State Troopers face every day when they put on their uniforms.

From Seattle Times

At the moment, Ms. Armstrong is considering reducing her open hours, limiting food service times, closing off parts of the pub and cutting back staff hours.

From New York Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023