[a. F. souterrain, f. sous under + terre earth, after L. subterrāneus.] An underground chamber, store-room, passage, etc.
1733. Arbuthnot, Ess. Effects Air, iii. 211 (J.). Defences against intolerable Extremities of Heat, as Rest, Shade, Venilation [sic], Grottos, or Souterrains, are as necessary Preservatives of Health, as those against extreme Cold.
1775. R. Chandler, Trav. Asia M. (1825), I. 151. By the highest of them is the entrance of a souterrain.
1806. J. Dallaway, Observ. Eng. Archit., 89. In the souterrain of vaulted stone, the military engines and stores were deposited.
1840. Vyse, Oper. Pyramids Gizeh, II. 76. The general direction of the souterrain, near the Second Pyramid.
1899. R. Munro, Prehist. Scotland, ix. 352. In Ireland underground chambers, generally known as ‘souterrains’ or ‘coves,’ are to be found all over the country.
transf. 1882. N. B. Daily Mail, 7 Feb., 4/7. [Hamilton Palace] having a souterrain of vast mineral wealth.
