[f. UNDERSET v.] One who or that which supports or upholds. Also fig.
c. 1400. Lanfranc’s Cirurg., 110. Þe whiche þat beþ vndiresetterys to þo bonys þat beþ y-clepyde nerualia.
c. 1430. Pilgr. Lyf Manhode, II. cxxvi. (1869), 123. J am to orguill an vndersettere and a susteynour by especial.
1537. Bible (Matthew’s), 1 Kings vii. 30. In ye foure corners were vndersetters vnder the lauatorye.
1651. N. Bacon, Disc. Govt. Eng., II. vi. 60. Outward Power, and Honourable places, are but undersetters, or props to this Gourd of Prelacy.
1697. Jos. Woodward, Relig. Soc., ii. (1701), 28. Undersetters, whom gain and the promises of court-favour had brought over to their party.
