prep. [ OE. benethe, bineoðen, AS. beneoðan, benyðan; pref. be- + neoðan, nyðan, downward, beneath, akin to E. nether. See Nether. ] 1. Lower in place, with something directly over or on; under; underneath; hence, at the foot of. “Beneath the mount.” Ex. xxxii. 19. [ 1913 Webster ] Beneath a rude and nameless stone he lies. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Under, in relation to something that is superior, or that oppresses or burdens. [ 1913 Webster ] Our country sinks beneath the yoke. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Lower in rank, dignity, or excellence than; as, brutes are beneath man; man is beneath angels in the scale of beings. Hence: Unworthy of; unbecoming. [ 1913 Webster ] He will do nothing that is beneath his high station. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ] |