ˈbackveld
Also backveldt.
[back- A. 4, veldt, veld.]
In S. Africa, the primitive or unprogressive rural districts lying away from the towns. Also attrib. Hence ˈbackvelder, a dweller in the backveld.
| 1905 Spectator 7 Jan. 5/1 We do not see why the low European or the back-veld Dutchman should be given a right to a decision on matters which they do not profess to understand. 1908 Westm. Gaz. 4 Mar. 2/3 The back-veldt members of Het Volk. 1911 E. London Disp. 28 Oct. 3 (Pettman), To present the rugged backvelder in his true colours. 1920 Contemp. Rev. Feb. 197 In the dorps and the backveld, society, business, religion, and politics are closely interwoven. 1926 Glasgow Herald 15 Dec. 12 One cannot..expect that some of the old suspicions will not from time to time be revived by the backvelders. 1960 Times 8 Oct. 7/2 The ox-wagon has creaked a little farther away into the blue of the backveld. |