Note E475 — 100.
Reading edition
In the Rolls of Parliament, at the opening of the Parliament of 2 Rich. II. in the year 1378, we find—"Qui sont appellez Bacbyters sont auxi come chiens qi mangeont les chars crues," etc. In the Ancren Riwle (Camden Soc. ed. Morton), p. 86, are described two kinds of backbiters, who are defined generally as "Bacbitares, þe biteð oðre men bihinden"; the two kinds are 1. those who openly speak evil of others, and 2. those who under the cloak of friendship slander others. The latter is stated to be far the worse. In an Old Eng. Miscellany (E. E. Text Soc. ed. Morris), p. 187, we are told that "Alle bacbytares heo wendeþ to helle."—Rev. W. W. Skeat, note to P. Plowman, B. v. 89.