underprop

American  

[uhn-der-prop] / ˌʌn dərˈprɒp /

verb (used with object)

underpropped, underpropping

1. to prop underneath; support; uphold.

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underprop British  

/ ˌʌndəˈprɒp /

verb

1. (tr) to prop up from beneath

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Other Word Forms

• underpropper noun

Etymology

Origin of underprop

First recorded in 1505–15; under- + prop ¹

Example Sentences

An acquaintance of Lowell’s bemoaned the habit Lowell had of “jumping at some general idea or theorem,” after which he “selects and bends facts to underprop that generalization.”

From Los Angeles Times

Underprop, un-dėr-prop′, v.t. to prop from under or beneath: to support.

From Project Gutenberg

For this self-confidence, which might to a careless observer seem to underprop Peter’s courage, was to the eye of the Lord undermining it.

From Project Gutenberg

For those He loves that underprop With daily virtues Heaven’s top, And bear the falling sky with ease, Unfrowning caryatides.

From Project Gutenberg

But, I pray, doth the word underprop or approve the use of anything indifferent, if it be not used according to the foresaid rules, and, by consequence, conveniently and profitably?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brace