[SUB- 9.]
† 1. pass. To be betrothed for the second time.
1605. Shaks., Lear, V. iii. 86. ’Tis she is sub-contracted to this Lord.
2. intr. To make a subcontract.
1842. Burn, Naval & Milit. Dict. (1863), s.v. Sous, Sous-traiter, to sub-contract.
1889. Lancet, 9 March, 498. He … hands over what he cannot do himself to others, with whom he subcontracts.
3. trans. To make a subcontract for.
1898. Westm. Gaz., 26 Aug., 7/2. As to the food arrangements, they were not worked from London, but sub-contracted by people in the locality.
Hence Subcontracted ppl. a., Subcontracting vbl. sb.; Sub-contractor, one who enters into a subcontract.
1842. Civil Engin. & Arch. Jrnl., V. 85/2. The sub-contractor or gauger was paid 6d per cubic yard, for which he had to … lay down the temporary road.
1900. Westm. Gaz., 22 Oct., 8/1. Direct employment and no sub-contracting.
1902. Daily Chron., 29 April, 3/4. The conditions under which the sub-contracted work is carried out.
