[f. as prec. + -ER.]
1. One who understands; one who has knowledge or comprehension (of something).
c. 1430. Pilgr. Lyf Manhode, II. xxi. (1869), 84. To good vnderstonderes it is the more gracious and the more plesaunt.
1456. Sir G. Haye, Law Arms (S.T.S.), 13. The thrid part of the understandaris of the faith.
1502. Atkynson, trans. De Imtatione, III. xlviii. 236. I am the inwarde techer of trouth, sercher of mannes hert, the vnderstander of mannes thought.
1577. Fulke, Confut. Purg., 413. If you have not a better vnderstander, then you are a rule giuer, your rule is false.
1613. Heywood, Braz. Age, II. ii. In Greece springs The fountaines of Diuine Phylosophy, They are all vnderstanders.
1677. Gilpin, Dæmonol. Sacra, II. 214. Some are pleased to be accounted Vnderstanders by others, and rest in such high words, as a badge of Knowledge.
1721. R. Balle, Lett., in Athenæum, 5 April (1902), 435/1. By th’ understanders of sculpture, t’was att Florence esteemed next to the Duke’s Veneri.
1855. Pusey, Doctr. Real Presence, Note S. 527. Those among you who are yet called Catechumens or hearers, could be hearers, when it was being read: could they be understanders too?
† 2. a. A leg or foot. b. A boot or shoe. Obs.
1583. Melbancke, Philotimus, U iij. She leuieth her army of huge boisterous hobs, wel beseming for their vnderstanders to bee the offspringe of Giauntes.
1749. J. Ray, Hist. Reb. (1758), 135. They also borrow’d all the Shoes and Boots they could meet with; so that many were depriv’d of their Understanders.
† 3. A spectator standing on the ground or floor spec. in a theater. Obs.
1633. Shirley, Contention Honour & Riches, C. When you … make the understanders in Cheapside wonder to see ships swimme upon mens shoulders. Ibid. (1646), Doubtful Heir, Prol. No shews, no dance, and what you most delight in, Grave understanders, here’s no target fighting.
4. poet. A supporter, upholder.
1875. Browning, Aristop. Apol., 113. Strong understander of our common life, Staple sustainment of morality.
