Word Direct Answers

What does "under" mean?

Under: Hence, in many figurative uses which may be classified as follows;

Additional senses

  1. 2.In a lower, subject, or subordinate condition; in subjection; - - used chiefly in a few idiomatic phrases; as, to bring under, to reduce to subjection; to subdue; to keep under, to keep in subjection; to control; to go under, to be unsuccessful; to fail. I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection. 1 Cor. ix.
  2. 3.The minstrel fell, but the foeman's chain Could not bring his proud soul under. Moore. Note: Under is often used in composition with a verb to indicate lowness or inferiority in position or degree, in the act named by the verb; as, to underline; to undermine; to underprop.
  3. 4.Lower in position, intensity, rank, or degree; subject; subordinate; -- generally in composition with a noun, and written with or without the hyphen; as, an undercurrent; undertone; underdose; under-garment; underofficer; undersheriff. Under covert (Zoöl.), one of the feathers situated beneath the bases of the quills in the wings and tail of a bird. See Illust. under Bird.

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