false bottom

American  

noun

1. a horizontal partition above the actual bottom of a box, trunk, etc., especially one forming a secret compartment.

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Etymology

Origin of false bottom

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

You can create a false bottom in the seat.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

Whitman’s Sampler and the Russell Stover Holiday Season Box with 52 pieces got new packaging and new dimensions that did away with what was, essentially, a false bottom.

From Washington Post • Feb. 10, 2023

To see whether the jellyfish were really asleep, they built a false bottom to the aquarium and lowered it—essentially “pulling the rug out” from under the creatures.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 27, 2021

"Maybe it was a false bottom," Iannetta said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2015

I told him the guy had ordered a crate with a false bottom.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos