I. ˈəndə(r)liŋ, -lēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from under (I) + -ling
1.
a. : one who is under the orders of another subordinate , inferior
the fault … is … in ourselves, that we are underlings — Shakespeare
b. : a person of small importance
scientists need to be used not as lackeys or underlings — Vannevar Bush
2. dialect : an underdeveloped, imperfect, or weakly offshoot or offspring
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from underling, n.
1. : subordinate or inferior in authority or prestige to another : serving under another
fearful of underling aggression — V.L.Parrington
2. dialect : underdeveloped, imperfect, or weakly in growth