[UNDER-1 5 c, 9, 10 b.]
† 1. An under-current. Obs.–1
1610. G. Fletcher, Christ’s Vict., I. lvi. So curiously the underworke did creepe,… That afar off the waters seem’d to sleepe.
2. A structure placed under or supporting something; a substructure.
1624. Wotton, Elem. Archit., 79. The Couer, or Roofe, [if] too heauy,… will suffer a vulgar obiection of pressing too much the vnder-worke.
1772. T. Simpson, Vermin-Killer, Introd. The rain forces its way through, and rots the underwork [of the thatch].
1776. G. Semple, Building in Water, 18. The Under-work of the second Pier.
1890. W. J. Gordon, Foundry, 153. As packed for export, it goes into a flat case … and takes up little more room than its underworks.
3. † a. Work done at lower rates. Obs.–1
1624. T. Scott, Belgic Souldier, E 3. There are so many of all Trades, who confound one another by vnderworke and indirect abuses, that [etc.].
b. Subordinate or inferior work.
1645. Milton, Colast., 26. To bee put to this under-work of scowring and unrubbishing the low and sordid ignorance of such a presumptuous lozel.
1708. Addison, Pres. State War, 20. You will find most of those that are proper for War absolutely necessary for … carrying on the Underwork of the Nation.
c. Underhand or secret work.
1814. D’Israeli, Quarrels Auth., III. 294. The Tyrant himself had an openness, quite in contrast with the dark underworks of his Satellites.
