Hinterland \Hin"ter*land`\, n. [G.; hinter behind + land land.]

The land or region lying behind the coast district. The term is used esp. with reference to the so-called

doctrine of the hinterland, sometimes advanced, that occupation of the coast supports a claim to an exclusive right to occupy, from time to time, the territory lying inland of the coast.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)