1. A terrace or lower cliff formed from landslips caused by the action of rain and sea.
[1781. Worsley, Isle of Wight, 211. The country below this range of cliffs, is called, by the inhabitants, Under Cliff, or Under Way.]
1829. J. Phillips, Geol. Yorks., 89. A very extensive slip of the superior heights, forming an ‘undercliff.’
1865. J. H. Bennet, Winter Medit. (ed. 3), I. iv. 60. A small amphitheatre, formed on the coast-line or undercliff of the mountains of southern Europe.
1880. Daily Tel., 23 Sept. The gradual movements along the undercliffs in the Isle of Wight.
2. (see quot. and next.)
1883. Gresley, Gloss. Coal-m., 267. Undercliff, argillaceous shale forming the floor of many coal seams in this coal-field.
