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backstairs

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back·stairs  (bkstârz) also back·stair (-stâr)
adj.
Furtively carried on; clandestine: backstairs gossip.
backstairs or backstair
Adjective
underhand: backstairs gossip
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.backstairs - a second staircase at the rear of a building
staircase, stairway - a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
plural, plural form - the form of a word that is used to denote more than one
Adj.1.backstairs - secret and sly or sordid; "backstairs gossip"; "his low backstairs cunning"- A.L.Guerard; "backstairs intimacies"; "furtive behavior"
backstair, furtive
covert - secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; "covert actions by the CIA"; "covert funding for the rebels"


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Alec, opening the door and letting her enter before him, while Phebe was seen whisking down the backstairs with a dust-pan.
Eight Cousins by Alcott, Louisa May View in context
Was there a motive at work under this strange reluctance of Arthur's which had a sort of backstairs influence, not admitted to himself?
Adam Bede by Eliot, George View in context
Eight of them she owned, and she kept them in a little place fenced around on her backstairs.
The Jungle by Sinclair, Upton View in context
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