[UNDER-1 9 a.] Action of a secret or unapparent nature.
1613–8. Daniel, Coll. Hist. Eng. (1621), 26. Skornes, conspiracies and vnder-workings.
1679. Everard, Prot. Princes Europe, 20. The Emissaries of Rome have been the Instruments of the underworkings which have raised this War.
1811. Mrs. Grant, in Mem. & Corr. (1844), I. 286. The underworkings of petty envy and malignity.
1833. Mill, Lett. (1910), I. 45. Men who are now gaining … a considerable and increasing influence … over the underworkings of our government.
