false bottom

noun

1. a horizontal partition above the actual bottom of a box, trunk, etc., especially one forming a secret compartment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of false bottom¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

When cleaning clothes by boiling them in a boiler over a fire, fit in a false bottom to keep the clothes from touching the bottom.

From Project Gutenberg

The false bottom is traversed in its whole length by an air pipe, communicating with the atmospheric air outside the trough.

From Project Gutenberg

It had a false bottom, in which a large sum of money could be concealed, and did duty as a military chest.

From Project Gutenberg

The car has a perforated false bottom, to which is attached a powerful exhaust-fan system that sucks the heat out of the coffee.

From Project Gutenberg

That bookcase, with its false bottom and secret drawers, had been the hiding place of the miserly John Stanley's gold.

From Project Gutenberg