(informal, by extension) A dominant older human male.
2001, Peter Burke, New Perspectives on Historical Writing, Courageously (given Ranger's status in Mugabe's Zimbabwe, and his status as a silverback in North Atlantic Academe), Kriger dissents from their arguments.
2003, w, The Bishop goes to the University, "Have you met Professor Dolan, Bishop Blackie?" an Asian child with a beatifically innocent face asked me. "Is he that skinny silverback ape down on the first floor?"
2008, Wendy Williams, Cape Wind: Celebrity, Energy, Class, Politics, and the Battle for Our Energy Future, "That's peanuts. I'm talking about real money," replied Senator Ted Kennedy, who in fact had no idea how much the developer would pay, as that detail had yet to be worked out. "What are your other main reasons?" Liedell asked, persisting with the old silverback.
