[UNDER-1 9.]
1. An underlying or hidden motion or action.
1845. J. Martineau, Ess. (1890), I. 63. The under-play of a living enthusiasm beneath the dry matter of the composition.
1862. R. Vaughan, Eng. Nonconformity, 224. The king was a party to this underplay.
2. Card-playing (See quot. 1863.)
1850. Bohn’s Handbk. Games, 21.
1863. ‘Cavendish,’ Whist (ed. 5), 42. Underplay is keeping up the winning card, generally in the second round of a suit, by leading a low card, though holding the best.
