undershot

[ uhn-der-shot; uhn-der-shot ]

adjective

1. having the front teeth of the lower jaw projecting in front of the upper teeth, as a bulldog.
2. driven by water passing beneath:

   an undershot vertical water wheel.

verb

1. simple past tense and past participle of undershoot.

undershot

/ ˈʌndəˌʃɒt /

adjective

1. (of the lower jaw) projecting beyond the upper jaw; underhung
2. (of a water wheel) driven by a flow of water that passes under the wheel rather than over it See overshot

Word History and Origins

Origin of undershot¹

First recorded in 1600–10; under- + shot ²

Example Sentences

The jaws of all the sharks are so undershot that, in order to grip their prey, they must perforce turn over on their sides.

From Project Gutenberg

The faded moonlight showed angry eyes, a jutting, undershot jaw and a sharp, pointed nose.

From Project Gutenberg

Scoop wheels are similar to undershot water wheels, and centrifugal pumps to turbines.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a bow-legged, brindle bull with undershot jaw and eyes like damson jam.

From Project Gutenberg

He had outjutting, belligerent eyebrows and a stubborn underjaw that was badly undershot.

From Project Gutenberg