understairsn.
1. attributive. Situated below stairs; humble.
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society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > [adjective] > floor or storey
understairs1616
downstairs1702
two-pair1749
below stairs1772
three-pair1788
one-pair1795
upstairs1839
1616 T. Adams Dis. Soule 61 Liuing in some vnder-staire office, when he would visite the countrey, he borrowes some Gallants cast sute of his seruant.
2. A space below a staircase. Also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > [noun] > unfilled space in building > below staircase
understairs1730
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > stairs > [adjective] > below a staircase
understairs1976
1730 A. Gordon tr. F. S. Maffei Compl. Hist. Anc. Amphitheatres 290 There are two Under-stairs, which form Rooms.
1976 Cumberland & Westmorland Herald 4 Dec. 16/3 (advt.) Understairs cupboard.
1977 36 Home Handyman Projects (Austral. Home Jrnl.) 62 Understairs storage is invaluable, so..why not make use of it by modifying these ideas.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
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