A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1614-1698
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Underprop(e, Wnderprope, v. P.p. under proppet. [e.m.E. underprop (1513); Prop(e v.1] tr.
1. To prop up, to act as, or supply, a material support to (something). Also in fig. context. c1614 Mure Dido & Æneas ii 474.
Still thus he flyes, till he discerne the tops Of Atlas hudge, the pole which vnderprops 1645 Rutherford Tryal Faith (1743) 28.
This doctrine is a … pillar to underprop the chamber in Hell which they call Purgatory 1653 J. Hope Diary (1919) 161.
The jeesting seamed to hang in the aire, so that wee wer forced to under-prope them
2. fig. To support, sustain; to uphold. 1620 Aberd. B. Rec. II 366.
That it wald pleas thair wisdomes … to sie … how … the work [sc. as master of the grammar school] may be so vnder proppet, that … ane honest man may bear out that heavie panes 1621 Melrose P. 419.
Hes granted to ws … six children … whereby it hes pleased God more stronglie to vnderprop our scepter c1639 Mure Psalmes cxix 115.
Lord, wnderprope Me by Thy word, that live I may 1698 Maxwell Mem. II 349.
[Rights of a peat moor] My lord underprops them
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