underthing
- noun
- /ˈʌndərˌθɪŋ/
- Archaic
:
subalterno
- The nobleman refused to speak directly to any underthing in his household.
Examples
-
In the old kingdom, an underthing was often treated with disdain.
-
Stories from that era often mention an underthing serving in silence.
-
In the old court, every underthing obeyed the steward's orders without question.
-
The underthing served the nobleman faithfully.
-
In the old court, every underthing obeyed the steward's orders without question.
-
The nobleman refused to speak directly to any underthing in his household.
-
Stories from that era often mention an underthing serving in silence.
Synonyms
19
6.5
A person who works under another person in a job
1
7.2
A person who is second in charge and helps the main leader
A military officer just below a captain who follows the captain's orders
A deputy leader who helps guide and support people in a group
A teacher who helps the head teacher and looks after students
A servant who helps the head servant in a large house
How Subordinate
- Offensive
88
6.3
19
6.5
- Archaic
38
4.6
833
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Underthing comes from under- 'beneath' and thing 'person' in older use. It once meant someone who was 'beneath' another in rank, like an underling, which is why it can mean a subordinate.