underproof

[ uhn-der-proof ]

adjective

1. containing a smaller proportion of alcohol than proof spirit.

underproof

/ ˌʌndəˈpruːf /

adjective

1. (of a spirit) containing less than 57.1 per cent alcohol by volume

Word History and Origins

Origin of underproof¹

First recorded in 1855–60; under- + proof

Example Sentences

But in some ways he was a kind of Thackeray several degrees underproof—a small-beer Thackeray that was a very excellent creature.

From Project Gutenberg