v. Now rare or Obs. [f. L. superstruct-, pa. ppl. stem of superstruĕre, f. super- SUPER- 2 + struĕre to build.] trans. To build upon something else; to construct upon a foundation; to erect as a superstructure.
a. Usually fig. or in fig. context. (Very common in the latter half of the 17th c.)
a. 1643. Ld. Falkland, etc., Infallibility (1646), 20. All that Master Chillingworth’s large Booke hath superstructed on this foundation.
1646. Hammond, Tracts, 87. What small ground it hath … as a foundation to superstruct any other doctrines upon.
1652. H. L’Estrange, Amer. no Jewes, 1. The Author first layes down six Conjectures, upon which he superstructs the maine Fabrique of his Work and Arguments.
a. 1687. Petty, Pol. Arith., i. (1691), 21. The effects of their Policy, superstructed upon these natural Advantages, and not as some think upon the excess of their Understandings.
a. 1734. North, Exam., I. i. § 8 (1740), 18. This he lays down for a Foundation whereon to superstruct a wonderful Colossus of Reproach.
1779–81. Johnson, L. P., Pope, Wks. 1787, IV. 99. Those … on whose approbation his esteem of himself was superstructed.
1819. T. Hope, Anastasius (1820), I. vi. 124. This artificial exterior, this refinement of appearance, were the more remarkable from the simplicity of mind, the singleness of heart, on which they seemed superstructed.
absol. 1642. Sir S. D’Ewes, Autobiog. (1845), II. 294. Lady Win hath laid a foundation of hope for mee, upon which I must beseech you to superstruct.
1661. Power, Exp. Philos., Pref. (1664), C 4. Though he have erroneously superstructed upon his Experiments.
1737. L. Clarke, Hist. Bible (1740), II. 210. Daily improving and increasing and superstructing upon that foundation.
b. More rarely lit.; occas. in reference to natural structures. (Also absol.)
1664. Evelyn, Sylva, xviii. 39. Vitruvius tells us, that the Morasses about Ravenna … were pil’d with this Timber [sc. alder], to superstruct upon.
a. 1687. Petty, Treat. Naval Philos., I. ii. The Cabbins and what is usually superstructed upon the upper Deck.
1831. T. Hope, Ess. Origin Man, II. 28. Former masses inorganic and lifeless superstruct in unbroken cohesion with them other later parts having all the essential attributes of organization, life and growth.
1843. Mrs. Romer, Rhone, etc., I. 309. Upon which, in latter times, the Moors had superstructed a fortress.
Hence Superstructed ppl. a.; Superstructing vbl. sb.
1654. Hammond, Fundamentals, ii. Wks. 1674, I. 278. Doctrines … apt to obstruct or intercept the superstructing of Christian life. Ibid., xii. 300. It were unreasonable … to … wonder at this constancy in particular superstructed errors…, whilst [etc.].
1826. G. S. Faber, Diffic. Romanism (1853), 374, note. Their superstructed doctrinal decisions.
1831. T. Hope, Ess. Origin Man, I. 29. I have cleared away … all later, more partial and more superstructed attributes not only of mind but even of matter.
