underboss

[ uhn-der-baws, -bos ]

noun

1. a lesser or minor boss, often the second in command, as in an underworld hierarchy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of underboss¹

First recorded in 1970–75; under- + boss ¹

Example Sentences

Many prosecutions have relied on high-level associates — think mafia underboss Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano or, in Trump’s case, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows — turning on their former bosses.

From Los Angeles Times

Then two of the party were randomly chosen as “boss” and “underboss”; they then decided whether to allow people to drink their purchased beverages, depending on how much they liked them.

From Seattle Times

Philadelphia mafia underboss Steven Mazzone was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise.

From Washington Times

His fate was sealed, however, when his underboss, Sammy “the Bull” Gravano became what was then the highest-ranking mobster ever to cooperate with investigators.

From Washington Post

The guy who runs the pizza joint is Tuddy Cicero, brother of the mob underboss Paulie Cicero, for whom Henry will be working soon.

From New York Times