Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BACKBID, v. and n.
1. v. To bid at a sale in order to raise the price.Kcb.1 1932:
The term “back-bid” is well known here, but it is not much used now.
2. n. (See quot.)Bnff. 1932 (per Abd.1):
A backbid is a bid from someone, not a genuine bidder, who has an understanding with the seller that if the sale falls to back-bidder, the seller relieves him of the sale in question.
Hence backbidder, one who bids at a sale to raise the price.Bnff. 1932 (per Abd.1):
A remark might have been heard at a sale, “plenty backbidders here to-day.”