/awf"stayj", of"-/ , adv.
1. off the stage or in the wings; away from the view of the audience (opposed to onstage ).
2. in one's private life rather than on the stage: Offstage the actress seemed rather plain.
adj.
3. not in view of the audience; backstage, in the wings, etc.: an offstage crash.
4. withheld from public view or attention; private: offstage political meetings.
[ 1920-25; OFF + STAGE ]