underworkingn.
Action of a secret or unapparent nature.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > something concealed, a secret > action
ambage1570
underworking1613
1613–8 S. Daniel Coll. Hist. Eng. (1621) 26 Skornes, conspiracies and vnder-workings.
1679 E. Everard Disc. Protestant Princes 20 The Emissaries of Rome have been the Instruments of the underworkings which have raised this War.
1811 A. Grant Let. 12 Aug. in Mem. & Corr. (1844) I. 286 The underworkings of petty envy and malignity.
1833 J. S. Mill Lett. (1910) I. 45 Men who are now gaining..a considerable and increasing influence..over the underworkings of our government.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online June 2019).
underworkingadj.
Working or acting in a secret or unapparent manner; also literal, working beneath.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > stealthy action, stealth > [adjective]
privyc1230
thiefly1395
stalkinga1400
slyc1440
insidious1545
clanculary1563
hedge-creeping1579
thievish1587
sneaking1590
tiptoe1593
peaking1595
underworking1605
stealthya1616
subtlea1616
surreptitious?1615
clancular1621
stealthful?1624
insidiary1625
worming1631
subterranean1643
clancularious1656
hugger-mugger1692
slink1792
slinking1841
instealing1844
thief-like1847
furtive1859
1605 S. Daniel Trag. Philotas ii. iii. (Chorus) C vj There dost thou struggle..Against some underworking pride that must Supplanted be.
1679 C. Ness Protestant Antidote Popery 87 He gives them up to the strong delusions of this under-working beast.
1818 H. H. Milman Samor x. 283 Deep echoed out From th' underworking caverns.
1883 Cent. Mag. 26 373/2 As a strong character in underworking motive, Squire Gaylord seems to be his best.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online June 2019).
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n.1613adj.1605