▪ I. ˈunder-ˌpinner1
[under-1 6 a + pinner2.]
A subordinate pound-keeper.
| 1599 George a Greene E 4, I am vnder pinner of a towne, And..I shall be turned out of mine office. |
▪ II. under-ˈpinner2
[f. underpin v.]
A support or prop; fig. a leg.
| 1859 Bartlett Dict. Amer. (ed. 2) 493 Underpinners, the legs, which in English flash language are called pins. 1861 Reade Cloister & H. xliii, The underpinners gave way, and the tower suddenly sank away from the walls. |