back line

/B AE1 K L AY0 N/
noun
  1. 1

    (soccer) Collectively, the defenders of a team.

  2. 2

    (rugby) The players known as the backs, whose primary responsibility is defense.

  3. 3

    (field hockey) The line running across the goal to the corners of the playing field.

  4. 4

    (rugby) The imaginary tactical line across the field that passes through the backs, through their primary line of attack/defence (i.e. excluding any players in a more backward defensive position).