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.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2025

Here am I left to underprop his land, Who, weak with age, cannot support myself.

From King Richard II by William Shakespeare

Cavendish goes on to observe that Sir Walter was in wonderful declination, yet laboured to underprop himself by my Lord Treasurer and his friends.

From Sir Walter Ralegh A Biography by W. (William) Stebbing

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?

From The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2) by George Gillespie

What penny hath Rome borne, What men provided, what munition sent, To underprop this action?

From King John by William Shakespeare

Second, we were underpropped by more than an inch.

From Time Magazine Archive

Nor indeed can any party be so much strengthened and underpropped, as it will be weakened and undermined by such courses. 

From Sermons on Evil-Speaking by Isaac Barrow

The bear having seized the handle, was shaking it as well as Zbyszko, and notwithstanding the pain caused by every movement of the points imbedded in his breast, be would not let it be "underpropped."

From The Knights of the Cross or, Krzyzacy by Samuel A. Binion

For surely the conscience of this evill ground whereupon they have either built, or underpropped their tyranny, causes men, as well metus as spes in longum projicere, which sets them a work on further mischiefe.

From Machiavelli, Volume I by Edward Dacres

Some have I see even in their last sickness, set up in their deathbed, underpropped with pillows, take their playfellows to them and comfort themselves with cards.

From Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation With Modifications To Obsolete Language By Monica Stevens by Monica Stevens