the iron or strap on the shaft of a horse-drawn vehicle to which the breeching of the harness is attached, enabling the horse to hold back or to back the vehicle.
a device for restraining or checking, as a doorstop or tieback.
a stop or delay: a holdback in negotiations.
a withholding: the holdback of a day's pay.
something, as a planned expenditure or allotment, that is withheld or deferred.