English

Verb

underwork ‎(third-person singular simple present underworks, present participle underworking, simple past and past participle underworked)

1. (transitive) To require too little work from; to work insufficiently.
2. (intransitive, obsolete) To work or operate in secret or clandestinely.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Ben Jonson to this entry?)

3. (transitive, intransitive) To do less work than necessary (on).

   to underwork a painting

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Dryden to this entry?)

4. (intransitive) To do work for inadequate payment.
5. (transitive) To injure by working secretly; to destroy or overthrow by clandestine measure; to undermine.
   • Shakespeare

     But thou from loving England art so far, / That thou hast underwrought his lawful king.

6. (transitive) To do similar work for a lesser price than; to undercut.

   One mason may underwork another.

Noun

underwork ‎(uncountable)

1. Subordinate work; petty business.

   the underwork of the nation