[f. UNDERPROP v.] One who or that which supports or sustains. † Also spec. (see SUPPORTASSE).
1532. More, Confut. Tindale, Wks. 473/1. This vnderpropper is not very proper for to beare vp his bilding.
1583. Melbancke, Philotimus, K ij. The strongest vnderproppers of her princely state.
1655. Cromwell, Lett. to Goodson, Oct. (Carlyle). That Roman Babylon, of which the Spaniard is the great underpropper.
1664. H. More, Myst. Iniq., I. i. 1. For which reason they … style the chief Authour and underpropper thereof … by the name of Antichrist.
1740. Cibber, Apol. (1756), I. 43. I had a third chance … of becoming an under-propper of the state.
