[UNDER-1 5 b.] A prop or support placed under a thing. Usu. fig.
1579. Tomson, Calvin’s Serm. Tim., 45/1. The Monkes, &… all those iolly vnderprops of that Romish Antichrist.
1602. Breton, Mother’s Blessing, D 3. Faiths strong pillars need no vnderprops.
1629. H. Burton, Truth’s Triumph, 264. An vnder-proppe or basis supporting and sustaining vs.
1826. W. E. Andrews, Crit. Rev. Fox’s Bk. Mart., II. 204. Cranmer,… this pillar and underprop of the reformation.
