Ar·rear, n. That which is behind in payment, or which remains unpaid, though due; esp. a remainder, or balance which remains due when some part has been paid; arrearage; -- commonly used in the plural, as, arrears of rent, wages, or taxes.
  For much I dread due payment by the Greeks
  Of yesterday's arrear.   --Cowper.
     I have a large arrear of letters to write.   --J. D. Forbes.
  In arrear or  In arrears, behind; backward; behindhand; in debt.
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