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View synonyms for backstairs

backstairs

or back·stair

[ bak-stairz ]

adjective

  1. associated or originating with household servants:

    Weak tea and burnt toast evidenced the start of a backstairs revolt.

  2. secret, underhanded, or scandalous:

    backstairs gossip.



backstairs

/ ˈbækˈstɛəz /

plural noun

  1. a secondary staircase in a house, esp one originally for the use of servants
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


adjective

  1. underhand

    backstairs gossip

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of backstairs1

First recorded in 1635–45; adjective use of back stairs
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Example Sentences

Which means that every seat contains someone who is reclining straight into the lap of their backstairs neighbor.

You ought to employ a few supple Politiques, accustomed to palace backstairs.

Keep a good heart, even if you have to knock in vain at many doors, and kick about the backstairs of the house of letters.

Nevertheless, Comstock neglected no chance to apply his backstairs pressure to the members of both Houses.

The minister was pleased that this man did not try to get in by backstairs influence, but came direct by the front entrance.

The explanation was Madam Hermansen, who had the backstairs entry of every house in Knarreby.

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