[f. UNDER-1 6 a + STRAP v. Cf. STRAPPER1 2.] An underling; a subordinate agent; an assistant. (In common use from c. 1710.)
a. 1704. T. Brown, Walk round Lond., Thames, Wks. 1709, III. III. 60. Every Wapping Understrapper, that has but a Congregation of old Women to hold himself forth to.
1753. Smollett, Ct. Fathom, xxix. I desire you will order him and this barber, who is his understrapper, to be examined on the spot.
1842. Thackeray, Fitz-Boodle’s Conf., Wks. 1869, XXII. 211. Let one of your understrappers correct the spelling and the grammar of my papers.
1894. Blackmore, Perlycross, 297. The meanest … understapper of the ‘Private Enquiry Firm.’
