underplot

American  

[uhn-der-plot] / ˈʌn dərˌplɒt /

noun

1. a plot subordinate to another plot, as in a novel.

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underplot British  

/ ˈʌndəˌplɒt /

noun

1. a subsidiary plot in a literary or dramatic work

2. an undercover plot

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Etymology

Origin of underplot

First recorded in 1660–70; under- + plot

Example Sentences

Olympias: Underplot in his verses alludes, mock-heroically, to the fabled begetting of Alexander the Great. mantygers.

From Three Hours after Marriage by Arbuthnot, John

The two extraordinary lovers, Plotwell, and Underplot; there are so many of their resemblance in this great town, that we may call them knights of the shires, who represent them all.

From Three Hours after Marriage by Arbuthnot, John

I presented you a fine snuff-box; you gave it to that coxcomb Underplot, and Underplot gave it to my wife.

From Three Hours after Marriage by Arbuthnot, John

Enter Underplot in a chair like a sick man.

From Three Hours after Marriage by Arbuthnot, John

Underplot, un′dėr-plot, n. a plot under or subordinate to the main plot in a play or tale: a secret scheme, a trick.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various