C18: from strap (in the archaic sense: to work hard)
understrapper in American English
(ˈʌndərˌstræpər)
noun
a subordinate or underling
Word origin
under- + strapper
understrapper in American English
(ˈundərˌstræpər)
noun
an underling
Word origin
[1695–1705; under- + strapper]This word is first recorded in the period 1695–1705. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: chaise, exponential, mimosa, nucleus, vectorunder- is a prefixal use of under, as to indicate place or situation below or beneath (underbrush; undertow); lower in grade or dignity (undersheriff; understudy); of lesser degree, extent, or amount (undersized); or insufficiency (underfeed)