to back and fill

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.To move or go backward; as, the horse refuses to back. [1913 Webster]

2.(Naut.) To change from one quarter to another by a course opposite to that of the sun; -- used of the wind. [1913 Webster]

3.(Sporting) To stand still behind another dog which has pointed; -- said of a dog. [Eng.] [1913 Webster]

To back and fill, to manage the sails of a ship so that the wind strikes them alternately in front and behind, in order to keep the ship in the middle of a river or channel while the current or tide carries the vessel against the wind. Hence: (Fig.) To take opposite positions alternately; to assert and deny. [Colloq.]

To back out, To back down, to retreat or withdraw from a promise, engagement, or contest; to recede. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]

Cleon at first . . . was willing to go; but, finding that he [Nicias] was in earnest, he tried to back out.— Jowett (Thucyd. )[1913 Webster]

1.To become full; to have the whole capacity occupied; to have an abundant supply; to be satiated; as, corn fills well in a warm season; the sail fills with the wind. [1913 Webster]

2.To fill a cup or glass for drinking. [1913 Webster]

Give me some wine; fill full.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

To back and fill. See under Back, v. i.

To fill up, to grow or become quite full; as, the channel of the river fills up with sand. [1913 Webster]