backstair
|back-stair|
🇺🇸
/ˈbæk.stɚ/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæk.steə(r)/
rear/hidden access; secret influence
Etymology
'backstair' is a compound of 'back' + 'stair' in modern English; 'back' refers to the rear and 'stair' to a set of steps.
'back' derives from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'rear, back'; 'stair' comes from Old Norse/Old English roots (Old Norse 'stigi' / Old English 'stæger' or similar) meaning 'step'. The compound form (often in plural as 'backstairs') has been used since at least the early modern period to denote a rear or servants' staircase and later figuratively for secret or unofficial influence.
Originally it referred literally to a rear staircase; over time it also developed a figurative sense referring to secret, unofficial, or behind-the-scenes activity or influence ('backstairs influence').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a staircase at the back of a house, typically used by servants or for private access (also used collectively as 'the backstair(s)').
She slipped down the backstair to avoid meeting the guests in the hall.
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Adjective 1
secret, unofficial, or behind-the-scenes (often used of influence, dealings, or access).
They were accused of using backstair methods to influence the appointment.
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Last updated: 2025/12/27 16:33