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backstairs
or back·stair
[ bak-stairz ]
/ ˈbækˈstɛərz /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
associated or originating with household servants: Weak tea and burnt toast evidenced the start of a backstairs revolt.
secret, underhanded, or scandalous: backstairs gossip.
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Origin of backstairs
First recorded in 1635–45; adjective use of back stairs
Words nearby backstairs
backsplice, backstab, back-stabbing, back staff, backstage, backstairs, backstay, backstitch, backstop, backstory, back straight
Other definitions for backstairs (2 of 2)
back stairs
noun
stairs at the back of a house, as for use by servants.
a means of intrigue.
Origin of back stairs
First recorded in 1620–30
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use backstairs in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for backstairs
backstairs
/ (ˈbækˈstɛəz) /
pl n
a secondary staircase in a house, esp one originally for the use of servants
adjective Also: backstair
underhandbackstairs gossip
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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