halfback
[
haf
-bak,
hahf
-]
/ˈhæfˌbæk, ˈhɑf-/
noun
1.
Football.
one of two
backs
who typically line up on each side of the fullback.
the position played by such a
back
.
2.
(in soccer, Rugby, field hockey, etc.) a player stationed near the forward line to carry out chiefly offensive duties.
Origin
1880-85;
half
+
back
1
Examples from the web for
halfback
Defenses may have more trouble defending a two
halfback
formation--Roger.
He played
halfback
in the single wing, safety on defense, and also punted and did the place-kicking.
Jeff led the team at
halfback
and was known for his intelligent play.
The
halfback
and coach settled their differences quickly.
Calhoun plays right
halfback
in a wishbone, but he gets the football a lot of times in that offense.
British Dictionary definitions for
halfback
halfback
/
ˈhɑːfˌbæk
/
noun
1.
(
rugby
) either the scrum half or the stand-off half
2.
(
soccer
,
old-fashioned
) any of three players positioned behind the line of forwards and in front of the fullbacks
3.
any of certain similar players in other team sports
4.
the position of a player who is halfback