noun
(publishing) A list of older books available from a publisher, as opposed to the frontlist of more recent titles.
(publishing, attributively, of books being planned) Expected to achieve years of adequate sales while on a backlist, and to be profitable on that basis, even if predicted not to sell in huge numbers when new.
verb
(transitive) To hold back a student's application (to a college etc.) based on whether a preferred candidate declines their offer.
(transitive, publishing) To place (a book) on a backlist.