[UNDER-1 6 a.]
1. A subordinate official.
1599. Lewkenor, Contarini’s Commw. Venice, 163. These heads & vnderheads are all elected by lot.
1876. Whitby Gloss., 205/2. Underheads, minor officials.
† 2. A person of inferior intelligence. Obs.
1643. Sir T. Browne, Relig. Med., I. § 55. Wiser discretions … offend without a pardon; whereas under heads may stumble without dishonour.
1686. W. De Britaine, Hum. Prud., xix. 86. I find by experience, that under Heads and narrow Souls by Industry … work Wonders.
So † Under-headed a., of inferior intellect or parts. Obs.–1
1646. Crashaw’s Steps to Temple, Pref. A 4. It were prophane but to mention here … those under-headed Poets, Retainers to seven shares and a halfe.
