[f. TWO + DECK sb. + -ER1: see DECKER2.]
1. A two-decked ship or boat; formerly spec. a line-of-battle ship carrying guns on two decks.
1790. Beatson, Nav. & Mil. Mem., II. 140. We could perceive the ships to be French, the largest being a two-decker.
1833. Marryat, P. Simple, xiii. I was in the dock-yard, looking at a two-decker in the basin.
2. transf. and fig. Something consisting of two ranges or divisions, as a tram-car with seats on the roof and an additional roof over them; in quot. 1902, a play in two acts. Also attrib.
1884. Two Decker Oven [see DECKER2 1].
1902. Westm. Gaz., 20 Aug., 3/1. Unfortunately, it is a theory of managers that one poor three-act play is better than two good two-deckers.
1904. Daily Chron., 18 July, 3/1. L.C.C. Two-deckers … on the … tramways south of the Thames.
1905. Outlook, 23 Dec., 903/2. The two-decker bed with its red and yellow curtains.
1908. Sydney Morning Herald, 23 Nov., 7/6. A two-decker ’bus, with a surprise party of about 40 young people, capsized in the neighbourhood of Kedron.
