backer

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a person or organization that supports a person, cause, or project, especially by providing money

   The theater found a private backer willing to finance the new production.

2. 2
   noun

   a person who bets money on a competitor or outcome

   Every backer of the favorite horse lost money when it finished third.

3. 3
   noun

   a supporter or assistant; historically, a bridegroom's best man

   Pip served as backer, or best man, to the bridegroom.

Formed in the 16th century from back in its verbal sense 'to support' + the agent suffix -er. Financial and betting uses developed from the idea of standing behind a venture or contestant; Dickens also used the broader supporter sense for a bridegroom's attendant.

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