Brewer, E. Cobham. Dictionary of Phrase & Fable. Back-stair Influence.

Reference > Brewer’s Dictionary > Back-stair Influence.

Back-speer (To).

Backwardation (Stockbrokers’ term).

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E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.

Back-stair Influence.

Private or unrecognised influence. It was customary to build royal palaces with a staircase for state visitors, and another for those who sought the sovereign upon private matters. If any one wanted a private interview with royalty, it was highly desirable to conciliate those appointed to guard, the back stairs, as they could admit or exclude a visitor.

“Once, we confess, beneath the patriot’s cloak,

From the cracked bag the dropping guineas broke,

And, jingling down the back stairs, told the crew

‘Old Cato is as great a rogue as you.’”

Pope: Epistle to Lord Bathurst, 35–8.

Back-speer (To).

Backwardation (Stockbrokers’ term).

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