The looseness through which one part of connected machinery, as a wheel, gear, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, or a measurement of the distance moved thereby; either intentional (as allowance) or unintentional (from error or wear).
The jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion.
Verb
To cause or set off a backlash.
Origin
From back + lash.
Modern English dictionary
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