[UNDER-1 6 b and 9.]
1. A (dramatic or literary) plot subordinate to the principal plot, but connected with it.
1668. Dryden, Dram. Poesy, ¶ 24. There may be many actions in a play…; but they must all be subservient to the great one, which our language happily expresses in the name of under-plots.
1684. T. Burnet, Theory Earth, I. 146. Such affairs are but the little under-plots in the tragicomedy of the world.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 40, ¶ 3. The skilful Choice of an Under-Plot.
1779. Sheridan, Critic, II. ii. I have laid my under-plot in low life.
1847. Westm. Rev., XLVII. 62. The greater part of the underplot was by the inferior writer.
1873. Symonds, Grk. Poets, ix. 300. The under-plots of many plays … are not sufficiently subordinated to the main design.
2. An underhand scheme or trick.
1668. Etheredge, She wou’d if she cou’d, III. i. We cannot be long without some Underplots in this Town.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 170, ¶ 12. They still suspect an Under-Plot in every female Action.
a. 1845. Hood, Lamia, vi. 62. Canst swear she is … No cheating underplot—no covert shape, Making a filthy masquerade of nature?
