underprop

An acquaintance of Lowell’s bemoaned the habit Lowell had of “jumping at some general idea or theorem,” after which he “selects and bends facts to underprop that generalization.”

Underprop, un-dėr-prop′, v.t. to prop from under or beneath: to support.

For this self-confidence, which might to a careless observer seem to underprop Peter’s courage, was to the eye of the Lord undermining it.

For those He loves that underprop With daily virtues Heaven’s top, And bear the falling sky with ease, Unfrowning caryatides.

But, I pray, doth the word underprop or approve the use of anything indifferent, if it be not used according to the foresaid rules, and, by consequence, conveniently and profitably?