offside

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off·side / ˈôfˈsīd; ˈäf-/ • adj. & adv. (of a player in certain sports) occupying an illegal position on the field, in particular: ∎ Ice Hockey moving into the attacking zone ahead of the puck. ∎  (usu. offsides) Football over the scrimmage line or otherwise ahead of the ball before the play has begun. ∎ Soccer in the attacking half ahead of the ball and having fewer than two defenders nearer the goal line at the moment the ball is played. ∎ Field Hockey in the attacking half of the field when there are fewer than three defenders nearer the goal line at the moment the ball is played.• n. the fact or an instance of being offside.