hark back
hark back · hark backs
Alternative form of hark-backAlternative form of hark-back.: An act of hounds retracing a course in order to pick up the lost scent of prey.
UK/ˌhɑːk ˈbæk/US/ˌhɑɹk ˈbæk/
Meaning
2 sensesAlternative form of hark-back.
An act of hounds retracing a course in order to pick up the lost scent of prey.
(figuratively)An act of alluding, returning, or reverting (to a subject previously mentioned, etc.); also, an act of evoking, or longing or pining for (a past era or event).
Origin
From hark (“to listen attentively”) + back (“to or in a previous condition or place”, adveFrom hark (“to listen attentively”) + back (“to or in a previous condition or place”, adverb), originally a hunting command to hounds meaning “Listen! Go back!”.
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