'To put one's back up' definitions:

Definition of 'To put one's back up'

From: GCIDE
  • Back \Back\ (b[a^]k), n. [AS. b[ae]c, bac; akin to Icel., Sw., & LG. bak, Dan. bag; cf. OHG. bahho ham, Skr. bhaj to turn, OSlav. b[=e]g[u^] flight. Cf. Bacon.]
  • 1. In human beings, the hinder part of the body, extending from the neck to the end of the spine; in other animals, that part of the body which corresponds most nearly to such part of a human being; as, the back of a horse, fish, or lobster. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. An extended upper part, as of a mountain or ridge. [1913 Webster]
  • [The mountains] their broad bare backs upheave Into the clouds. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. The outward or upper part of a thing, as opposed to the inner or lower part; as, the back of the hand, the back of the foot, the back of a hand rail. [1913 Webster]
  • Methought Love pitying me, when he saw this, Gave me your hands, the backs and palms to kiss. --Donne. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The part opposed to the front; the hinder or rear part of a thing; as, the back of a book; the back of an army; the back of a chimney. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. The part opposite to, or most remote from, that which fronts the speaker or actor; or the part out of sight, or not generally seen; as, the back of an island, of a hill, or of a village. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. The part of a cutting tool on the opposite side from its edge; as, the back of a knife, or of a saw. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. A support or resource in reserve. [1913 Webster]
  • This project Should have a back or second, that might hold, If this should blast in proof. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 8. (Naut.) The keel and keelson of a ship. [1913 Webster]
  • 9. (Mining) The upper part of a lode, or the roof of a horizontal underground passage. [1913 Webster]
  • 10. A garment for the back; hence, clothing. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • A bak to walken inne by daylight. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • Behind one's back, when one is absent; without one's knowledge; as, to ridicule a person behind his back.
  • Full back, Half back, Quarter back (Football), players stationed behind those in the front line.
  • To be on one's back or To lie on one's back, to be helpless.
  • To put one's back up or to get one's back up, to assume an attitude of obstinate resistance (from the action of a cat when attacked). [Colloq.]
  • To see the back of, to get rid of.
  • To turn the back, to go away; to flee.
  • To turn the back on one, to forsake or neglect him. [1913 Webster]