underwork

verb

1. (transitive)To require too little work from; to work insufficiently.
2. (intransitive, obsolete)To work or operate in secret or clandestinely.

   “[H]e raiſeth (in priuate) a nevv Inſtrument, one Sertorius Macro, and by him vndervvorketh, diſcouers the others Coũſells [i.e., counsels], his Means, his Ends, […]”

3. (ambitransitive)To do less work than necessary (on).

   “to underwork a painting”

4. (intransitive)To do work for inadequate payment.
5. (transitive)To injure by working secretly; to destroy or overthrow by clandestine measure; to undermine.

   “But thou from loving England art so far, That thou hast underwrought his lawful king.”

6. (transitive)To do similar work for a lesser price than; to undercut.

   “One mason may underwork another.”

noun

1. (uncountable)Subordinate work; petty business.

   “the underwork of the nation”