backstairs
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Alternative forms [edit]
Noun [edit]
backstairs (plural only)
- A staircase at the rear of a building or one normally only used by servants and tradesmen.
- An indirect or furtive means of access or intercourse.
- 1934 March 27, “De Valera Move Hits Dignity Of Governor-General”, Christian Science Monitor:
- The straight-forward course, they say, would be to proclaim outright, instead of trying to bring it in by the backstairs.
- 1934 March 27, “De Valera Move Hits Dignity Of Governor-General”, Christian Science Monitor:
Adjective [edit]
backstairs (comparative more backstairs, superlative most backstairs)
- Secret or furtive.
- {{rfdate}, Edmund Burke
- A backstairs influence
- (Can we date this quote?) Trevelyan
- Female caprice and backstairs influence.
- {{rfdate}, Edmund Burke
- Scandalous.