back stairs
Hidden household passage
Back stairs are secondary staircases in large houses, historically used by servants to move through the building without encountering the family or guests.
The term extends to anything done through unofficial or secretive channels: back-stairs intrigue, back-stairs influence.
Also spelled as one word or hyphenated.
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- stealthSecret, undetected movement
sneak · hidden · concealed · discreet · unobserved · cloak-and-dagger · subterfuge · underhand
Room for dishwashing
- housemaidLive-in cleaning employee
- footmanUniformed domestic male attendant
- butlerChief domestic servant
- valetPersonal servant or parker
housekeeper · cook · chambermaid · kitchen maid · lady's maid · steward · livery · servants' quarters
Descent's final moment
- handrailBar for gripping on stairs
- banisterStairway handrail support
- balustradeRail supported by posts
- treadsOuter tire surfaces
risers · newel · stringer · baluster · flight · narrow · steep · wooden
Unconfirmed circulating story
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- schemingCrafty and calculating
machination · plotting · tittle-tattle · hearsay · innuendo · backbiting · palace intrigue · court gossip
Rear access for workers
- side doorLateral building entrance
- tradesman's entranceRear door for workers
- alternative routeSecondary path available
- escape routePlanned exit path
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
stealth · sneak · hidden · concealed · discreet · unobserved · cloak-and-dagger · subterfuge · underhand · whispered
scullery
Room for dishwashing
- housemaidLive-in cleaning employee
- footmanUniformed domestic male attendant
- butlerChief domestic servant
valet · housekeeper · cook · chambermaid · kitchen maid · lady's maid · steward · livery · servants' quarters · domestic staff
landing
Descent's final moment
- handrailBar for gripping on stairs
- banisterStairway handrail support
- balustradeRail supported by posts
treads · risers · newel · stringer · baluster · flight · narrow · steep · wooden · winding
rumor
Unconfirmed circulating story
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
scheming · machination · plotting · tittle-tattle · hearsay · innuendo · backbiting · palace intrigue · court gossip · behind-the-scenes
service entrance
Rear access for workers
- side doorLateral building entrance
- tradesman's entranceRear door for workers
- alternative routeSecondary path available
back stairsfront stairs
Steps at main entrance
main entrance · front door · public entrance · foyer · main hall