[UNDER-1 4 a.] trans. To draw a score or line beneath; to underline.
1771. Luckombe, Hist. Print., 249. [They] either underscore the word, or make some other token, which may inform the Compositor of the Author’s intention.
1838. Lytton, Alice, XI. v. The notice to Howard, with the name of Vargrave underscored, was still on the panels.
1874. Blackie, Self-Cult., 35. Underscore these distinctly with pen or pencil.
fig. 1891. W. S. Gilbert, Rosencrantz & G., III. He who doth so mark, label, and underscore his antic speeches.
Hence Underscored ppl. a., -scoring vbl. sb.
1847. Kinglake, Eöthen, viii. 101, note. The underscoring of the word ‘ancient,’ is by the writer of the letter.
1865. Sat. Rev., 4 March, 243/1. The underscored passages in the favourite sermon.
1871. Lowell, Study Wind. (1886), 165. An emphasis out of place … reminds one of the underscorings in young ladies’ letters.
