superioradj.n.adv.

Brit.

/suːˈpɪərɪə/,

/sjuːˈpɪərɪə/,

/sᵿˈpɪərɪə/,

/sjᵿˈpɪərɪə/, U.S.

/səˈpɪriər/

Forms: Middle English–1500s superyor, Middle English–1800s superiour, Middle English– superior, 1500s superyour, late Middle English superioure; also Scottish pre-1700 superioure, pre-1700 supperior, pre-1700 suppiriour.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French superior; Latin superior.

Etymology: < (i) Anglo-Norman and Middle French superior, Middle French superiour, French supérieur (in geography) higher, upper, more northerly, further inland (12th cent.), (of the sky) above (12th cent.), (in anatomy) uppermost (1492), outside the orbit of the earth around the sun (1498, originally perceived as outside the sun's orbit around the earth), of higher quality (1588), (of a letter) superscript (1690), and its etymon (ii) classical Latin superior higher in position, upper, further inland, upstream, (of words or statements) coming before in sequence, preceding, previous, above-mentioned, preceding in time, earlier, higher in rank or status, (of age) more advanced, (of sounds) higher in pitch, (of qualities) greater in degree, more powerful or effective, having the upper hand, victorious, in post-classical Latin also (of planets) further from the sun than the earth is (1523 or earlier), comparative (compare -ior suffix²) of superus situated above, upper, heavenly, celestial, earlier, previous < super above (see super- prefix). In use as noun after (i) Middle French superior, superiour, French supérieur (noun) person holding a higher rank in a hierarchy, person holding authority over others (both 1404), item of higher quality (1580), head of a religious community (1656), (ii) classical Latin superior (masculine) person of higher rank, in post-classical Latin also head of a religious community (frequently from 12th cent. in British sources), royal official in a town, chief officer of a borough, foreman of a jury (from 13th cent. in British sources), feudal overlord (from 14th cent. in British sources), and also (iii) classical Latin superius (neuter) something that is higher in position, in post-classical Latin also number or figure standing above another (1663 in the passage translated in quot. 1702 at sense B. 6). Compare Old Occitan superior (1390), Spanish superior (a1400), Portuguese superior (15th cent.), Italian superiore (14th cent.).With sense B. 1 compare earlier superiority n. 1.

A. adj.

I. Senses referring to position or location.

a. That is on a higher physical level; situated above or further up than something else; upper. Formerly also: †heavenly, celestial (obsolete).Now chiefly in scientific and technical use.In early use of a region: †more northern (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > a land or country > part of country or district > [adjective] > in high position

superiora1393

uppera1400

high?a1425

the world > the universe > sky, heavens > [adjective]

heavenisheOE

heavenlyOE

celestialc1400

celestinec1430

supernal?1504

celical1521

elemental1527

ethereal1530

celest1535

impyre1554

skyey1587

vaultedc1590

firmamental1600

empyreal1605

superior1632

firmamentary1633

ethereous1667

skied1789

the world > space > relative position > high position > [adjective] > in higher position

overeOE

ovewardeOE

higherOE

overmorec1350

overhighera1382

overerc1400

upper1467

superior1632

overriding1883

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. l. 2447 In Ynde the superiour.

?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1865) I. 127 (MED) Cedar is a region in the superior parte [L. in superiori parte] of Palestine.

1553 R. Eden tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India sig. Fj^v The superiour or high India..is a region excedinge large.

1632 P. Massinger Emperour of East i. ii. sig. C4^v The motion, with the diuers operations Of the superior bodies.

1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. ii. 101 The superiour particles of the Ayr pressing the inferiour.

1702 V. Mandey tr. J. J. Hainlin Synopsis Mathematica: Theoret. Arithm. ii. 21 Numerator, is the superior Term [L. terminus superior] of the Fraction.

1714 A. Pope Rape of Lock (new ed.) ii. 14 Amid the Circle, on the gilded Mast, Superior by the Head, was Ariel plac'd.

1799 R. Kirwan Geol. Ess. 380 All the superior earthy and stony matter having been swept away by floods.

1838 C. Lyell Elem. Geol. xii. 268 The relative age of the superior and inferior portions of the earth's crust.

1839 R. I. Murchison Silurian Syst. i. xxxiii. 441 The sandy flagstone..is, apparently, thrown unconformably against the superior formations.

1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) I. 98/1 The superior course [in building].

1907 E. D. Peters Princ. Copper Smelting xiii. 497 Even when the superior layers of ground are tolerably firm, it is better to excavate it until the hardpan is reached.

1952 H. M. Stone & A. Stone Marriage Man. (ed. 2) viii. 210 The woman may assume the ‘superior’ or upper position.

2010 A. Almusaed Biophilic & Bioclimatic Archit. xi. 153 The..drainage component..has water saving pockets on the superior part.

b. Preceding in time or serial order; coming before in a sequence; earlier, former, previous. rare.Only in translations from other languages, as Latin, Spanish, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > preceding or following in order > [adjective] > preceding in order

precedent1418

aforegoingc1443

precedingc1485

superior1534

foregoing1605

prior1607

preposed1608

previous1621

1534 R. Whittington tr. Cicero Thre Bks. Tullyes Offyces iii. sig. Q.8 To the whiche selfe questyons & consultacyons of the superiour bokes [L. ex superioribus libris] many thinges be suffyciently disputed.

1599 A. M. tr. O. Gaebelkhover Bk. Physicke 132/2 Adde..to the superiour potion a qu[arter] of an ownce of redd Roses.

1837 tr. A. De Castro Let. 24 Nov. 1836 in Rep. 25th U.S. Congr. 1 Sess. House Appendix 208/2 Excellent Sir: In consequence of the superior note of your excellency, of the 19th instant,..I have this day closed the subject in question.

2001 tr. L. De Torres Let. in R. Lévesque Hist. Micronesia XVII. 151 Trying to comply in full with what Y.L. has ordered me to do in your Superior letter of instruction.

2. Anatomy and Zoology. That is the upper or uppermost (of two or more parts of the body); located at or near the highest point (of the body, part, organ, etc.). Contrasted with inferior adj. 7.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > positions or directions in body > [adjective] > specific

rightOE

lefta1200

lowera1400

furtherc1400

lateral?a1425

sinistera1500

upper1528

anterior?1541

inferior1563

superior1566

oblique1578

high1588

ascendant1611

prone1646

peripherial1653

internal1657

supine1661

peripherical1690

gawk1703

ascending1713

adducent1722

submental1722

adductory1752

subdorsal1783

syntropic18..

atlantal1803

mesiad1803

mesial1803

proximal1803

sternal1803

distal1808

peripheral1808

peripheric1818

ventripetal1819

submedial1825

anteriormostc1826

subvertebral1827

afferent1828

sinistral1828

rostral1834

interganglionic1835

submedian1836

mesian1837

haemal1839

supravaginal1844

neural1846

symmetrical1851

suprameatal1853

paraxial1861

posterial1866

hypaxial1873

postaxial1873

preaxial1873

transmedial1876

transmedian1876

mediad1878

horizontal1881

mesal1881

prosomatic1882

dextrad1883

paramedian1890

prorsal1890

ventro-dorsal1895

midsagittal1898

ventro-axial1902

ventro-posterior1903

ipsilateral1907

parasagittal1907

ventromedial1908

homolateral1910

suprasellar1912

supratemporal1975

1566 W. Painter tr. O. Landi Delectable Demaundes ii. f. 30 Through his great stiptisitie or costifnest it [sc. the Mermalade of quinces] closeth the nether partes of the ventricle: and if it be taken after repast, it closeth the superior partes of the stomake, which being shut, the meates be constrained to auoyde by the inferior parte.

1639 I. W. tr. P. Guybert Charitable Physitian 143 After that you may show the belly inferiour, that is the stomacke and the Epipleon; considering the orifice superiour, and inferiour, and afterwards the bowells, bladder, and other things.

1673 F. Oswell Let. 15 Jan. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1973) IX. 419 It is done by stopping exactly all passages wch are for inspiration of air by mouth or nostrills, & inserting a tub[e] betwixt two of the superior annulare cartilages.

1733 G. Douglas tr. J. B. Winslow Anat. Expos. Struct. Human Body I. 39 They cover these Orifices much in the same manner as the superiour Conchæ of the Ethmoidal Bone cover the Maxillary Openings.

1765 Philos. Trans. 1764 (Royal Soc.) 54 184 We may justly infer the plexiform unions of the nerves distributed to the superior extremities not more intimate, nor to serve any such purpose as Ganglions.

1826 W. Kirby & W. Spence Introd. Entomol. IV. 335 Superior, the anterior wings are so denominated if when at rest they are placed upon the posterior wings.

1881 St. G. Mivart Cat 72 The superior meatus of the nose.

1914 Jrnl. Compar. Neurol. 24 33 The superior laryngeal nerve leaves the vagus at the level of the nodose ganglion.

1960 D. C. Braungart & R. Buddeke Introd. Animal Biol. (ed. 5) xix. 317 Blood is returned from the head by two jugular veins and from the arms by subclavian veins, all of which unite to form the superior vena cava before entering the heart.

2005 I. McEwan Saturday i. 10 It was deep in the superior cerebellar vermis. She'd already suffered early-morning headaches, blind spots and ataxia—unsteadiness.

3. Astronomy. Contrasted with inferior adj. 5.

a. Originally (with reference to Ptolemaic astronomy): further from the earth (as the centre of the universe); esp. beyond the supposed orbit or sphere of the sun. Now: further from the sun. Originally and chiefly in superior planet n. at Compounds.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > planet > primary planet > superior planet > [adjective]

superial?a1475

superior1577

1577 T. Rogers tr. C. Leowitz in T. Rogers tr. S. à Geveren Of Ende of World f. 15 In the moneth of May, there shall happen a great coniunction of the superior Planets in the last ende of Pisces.

1786 J. Bonnycastle Introd. Astron. xx. 358 The face of Mars, on the contrary, is always found to be round and full, as his superior situation requires.

1873 Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc. 13 145 The successive doubling of the differences, places each of the theoretical intermediate planets at a centre of oscillation between the next inferior and the next superior planet.

1964 Isis 55 309 The generalized heliostatic-Copernican representation for superior planetary motion..is next set out in Figure 8a, with its detailed specification for Mars in Figure 8b.

2009 L. Kurzawa Fund. Force xx. 212 When coming into conjunction, the planet in the superior orbit will shorten its orbit and increase in velocity.

b. Designating the higher of two transits of a celestial object across the celestial meridian, either above the pole (in the case of a circumpolar star), or above the horizon or the equator (in the case of the moon). Cf. superior meridian n. at Compounds.

ΚΠ

1815 tr. C. S. de M. de Martemont Treat. Topogr. I. 105 The stars that are only 20° from the pole may be observed at Paris in both their superior and inferior passages.

1836 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 126 303 If the tide which happens at 11^h 50^m a.m. today be the one which follows a superior transit, the tide which happens at 0^h 20^m p.m. tomorrow will also follow a superior transit.

1866 Jrnl. Amer. Oriental Soc. 8 39 The limiting star..is γ Pegasi; it was chosen, we are to believe, on account of its relation to the superior transit of β Ursæ Minoris, and the inferior of ζ Ursæ Majoris.

1915 Asiatic Pilot (U.S. Hydrogr. Office) V. 482 In the Mabul Passage the tidal streams were observed to set as follows: At moon's superior transit, slack water. At 3h. after superior transit, north-northeast; maximum velocity, 1.2 knots.

2001 J. Murray Moon Phase Whitetail Hunting ii. 12 When the Moon peaks at its superior transit most directly overhead, it exerts its maximum influence upon the Earth's inhabitants.

4. Printing and Typography. Of a letter, figure, character, etc.: written or printed above the line, or near the top of the ordinary letters. Cf. superscript adj.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > printing > printed matter > printed character(s) > [adjective] > others

descending1676

superior1683

inferior1888

serifed1889

serif1904

in-line1923

1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. Dict. 391 Superiour Letters, are often set to Marginal Notes.

1727–51 E. Chambers Cycl. at Apocope When the Apocopation is marked with a superior comma..the word is said to be apostrophated.

1755 J. Smith Printer's Gram. 76 Superior Letters, or else Superior Figures..were originally..intended to be employ'd in Matter that is explained by Notes.

1847 F. Madden Laȝamon's Brut III. 657 Instead of brackets, superior commas should have been used.

1921 J. L. Seward Hist. Town Sullivan, New Hampsh., 1777–1917 II. 818 The small, superior figures refer, in each case, to the number of the generation represented by the person.

1995 M. C. Atlas Author's Handbk. Styles for Life Sci. Jrnls. (1996) 284/1 List table footnotes in order of appearance with consecutive superior letters.

5. Botany. Growing or situated above another part or organ; esp. designating the ovary when situated above or free from the sepals and petals of the calyx, and the calyx when situated above the ovary. Also: located at or pointing towards the apex of the plant or plant part. Contrasted with inferior adj. 6.In quot. 1849: †designating those parts of an axillary flower which lie nearest to the axis (= posterior adj. 2a) (obsolete rare).

ΘΚΠ

the world > plants > part of plant > (defined by) distribution, arrangement, or position > [adjective] > situated above or below

anterior1754

superior1763

subtending1777

inferior1785

1763 J. Wheeler Botanist's & Gardener's New Dict. 238/1 The corolla consists of two valves: the superior valve is angular, of an oval, accuminated figure, bellied, and longer than the cup, and terminates in a very long arista.

1785 T. Martyn tr. J.-J. Rousseau Lett. Elements Bot. v. 55 Such are called superior flowers, as being above the germ.

1845 J. Lindley School Bot. (1862) 13 In many cases the calyx is united to the surface of the pistil..and is then called superior or adherent.

1849 J. H. Balfour Man. Bot. §357 If a whorl of the flower consists of four parts, that which is turned towards the floral axis is called superior or posterior.

1861 R. Bentley Man. Bot. i. iv. 351 The radicle is said to be superior or ascending..when it is directed towards the apex of the pericarp.

1902 F. W. Oliver et al. tr. A. Kerner von Marilaun Nat. Hist. Plants I. 97 Water dropping from the outward-bent and drooping apices of superior leaves is arrested by that part of an inferior leaf which shelves towards the stem.

1918 Bot. Gaz. 66 346 This kind of silky pubescence may be seen on the lower surface of the first (lowermost) leaves.., while the later (superior) leaves bear more or less villous hairs.

1952 P. Mann Systematics Flowering Plants ii. 208 The ovary is superior, made of three joined carpels.

1970 Flora Neotropica 2 52 Seeds ellipsoid..; embryo straight with flat cotyledons and superior radicle.

2006 W. G. Hopkins Plant Devel. vii. 118 Ovaries may be either superior or inferior, depending on where the sepals, petals, and stamens are attached.

II. Senses referring to status or rank.

a. Higher in rank, status, position, or office; having more authority; higher-ranking, senior.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > [adjective] > superior in rank

highereOE

furtherc1000

superior1483

superordinate1615

precedential1836

upscale1966

1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. ccci/2 She rendryd to eueryche that was his, that is to wete, to god obedyence, vnto her superiour prelate, reuerence.

1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. kv^v/1 God hath..made the superyor in worldly puyssaunce aboue al other kynges.

1539 C. Tunstall Serm. Palme Sondaye (1823) 37 For who is superiour? he that sytteth at the table, or he that serueth at the table? is not he superiour that sytteth?

1558 C. Goodman (title) How superior powers oght to be obeyd of their subiects.

1612 For Colony Virginea Britannia 25 If any Lanceprizado, Corporall, or superior officer shall neglect his or their duty, [etc.].

1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 167 If thou wilt fall down, And worship me as thy superior Lord.

1726 J. Ayliffe Parergon Juris Canonici Anglicani 72 This kind of an Appeal..transfers the Cognizance of the Cause to the Superiour Judge.

1760 Cautions & Advices to Officers of Army 149 Putting so palpable an Affront on his superior Officer.

1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) I. 462 Either party may appeal to the superior court.

1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. v. ix. 290 He says, he obeyed superior orders.

1875 H. J. S. Maine Lect. Early Hist. Inst. iv. 102 Superior ownership has arisen through..purchase from small allodial proprietors.

1903 H. H. Risley & E. A. Gait Rep. Census India 1901 §701 The custom which..compels [a woman] to marry in a group equal or superior in rank.

1966 R. Fisher in R. A. Falk & S. H. Mendlovitz Disarmament & Econ. Developm. 476 The intermediate commanding officer..may have the ability to carry off a military strike without superior authority.

2008 K. S. Nielsen et al. in C. Scholz & H. Böhm Human Resource Managem. in Europe iv. 94 New objectives and success criteria..are agreed upon between employees and their superior managers.

b. Christian Church. Designating the head of a religious order, congregation, community, or institution. Chiefly as postmodifier in titles, as Father Superior, Sister Superior, Mother Superior at mother n.¹ 3a, etc. Cf. sense B. 3.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > church government > monasticism > religious superior > conventual head > [noun]

presidentc1410

superior1496

sovereign1534

rector1601

Father Superior1612

society > faith > church government > monasticism > religious superior > [noun] > female

superioress1756

Superioress General1756

Mother General1865

Sister Superior1991

society > faith > church government > monasticism > religious superior > conventual head > [noun] > female

presidentress1650

Reverend Mother1658

superioress1669

provostess1871

Mother Superior1907

Mother Vicaress1930

Mother Prioress1961

Sister Superior1991

1612 W. Fennor Pluto his Trauailes 20 The Father Superiour caused a mortall potion to be tempered for them all.

1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) (at cited word) The chief Governour or Governess of a Monastery, otherwise call'd Superiour Father, or Superiour Mother.

1781 R. Pulteney Gen. View Writings Linnæus Pref. sig. *5 I was moued..by the Reuerend Mother Superiour of the English Teresian-Carmelites, at Antwerpe.

1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy II. xi. 187 A feeling upon which the Father Superior calculated with security.

1882 E. M. Stewart Stories Christian Schools iii. 114 The Brother Superior at St. Joseph's..caused all possible..inquiries to be made in the neighbourhood.

1907 Athenæum 2 Nov. 545/3 The astute yet saintly mother-superior.

1991 M. Bird & A. Sutherland Living Kindness iii. 51 The Sister Superior was strict for the sisters and nurses, too.

2006 Church Times 23 June 5/1 Now Assistant Mother Superior, she remains a trustee of Helen House.

a. Higher in notional or abstract rank, or in a scale or series; of a higher or better nature or character. Sometimes contextually or by implication: supernatural, superhuman.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > very great > and remarkable

outnumenc1225

whata1325

outnemea1400

excessive1477

superiora1500

supernatural?1537

supereminent?1563

extraordinary1572

no mean ——1580

metaphysical1589

superhumana1629

uncommon1700

unco1724

some1808

hellacious1847

helluva1905

(a) hang of a1941

a1500 (?c1425) Speculum Sacerdotale (1936) 60 There is thre-fold auctorite of fastynge..the þridde is of the..mageste of the superioure commaundynge.

1509 H. Watson tr. S. Brant Shyppe of Fooles (de Worde) cix. sig. Ee.i Awaken a lytell your spyrytes you the which entendeth vnto the thynges superiours.

1533 T. More Answere Poysened Bk. i. xi. f. xl^v As we say a man is obedyent vnto his owne reason, and yet is not his owne reason another power superiour aboue hym selfe.

1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 36 May it be no wrong Blest heav'ns to you, and your superiour song, That [etc.].

1660 R. Coke Justice Vindicated Ep. Ded. 7 Conscience..supposes some superior law informing men to do, or not do a thing.

1704 in Mem. Hist. Soc. Pennsylvania (1870) IX. 350 There is a general infatuation, as if by a superior influence, got among us.

1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. iii. 45 The several Passions being naturally subordinate to the one superior Principle of Reflection and Conscience.

1871 B. Stewart Heat (ed. 2) §26 The superior limit of the mercurial thermometer's accurate employment.

1968 Life 5 Apr. 24/3 The awesome implication of these slabs..begins to emerge... They are the cosmic calling cards of some superior intelligence.

2008 Guardian (Nexis) 25 Oct. 35 Central to my atheism is the knowledge that..we have no superior being to guide us out of the mess we are making.

b. In theological or religious use: (of the soul, a part of the mind, etc.): of a higher or more refined nature or character. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > [adjective] > very

upliftedc1454

angelical1527

superior1534

trans-spiritualized1683

1534 J. Fewterer tr. U. Pinder Myrrour Christes Passion f. li^v The superior part of our reason, which onely ought to intende to god and eternall thynges.

a1659 F. Rous Aspirations of Student in Academia Cœlestis (1702) 162 While my Superior Mind breatheth and panteth after thee.

1665 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim xxxii. 395 It is an holy, chaste and innocent pleasure..which riseth higher than sense, and seeks the superiour part.

a1700 in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1911) 9 342 Keeping herself united to him..whome she possessed in her superior wil and soule, in solitude.

1759 A. Butler Lives Saints IV. 1003 She laboured..to gain..an absolute ascendant of the superiour part of her soul over the inferiour.

1825 Intellect. Repos. New Church July 527 Recalling the mind..from..the allurements of the world, and thus as it were from its lower self, whilst it takes up its abode in its own superior sphere.

1952 tr. C. Borgo Medit. Sacred Heart Jesus Christ viii. 32 The serene peace and quiet of the superior part of the soul at least, are certain fruits of this hidden life.

c. Logic. Of a class or genus of things: having greater extension.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical classification > [adjective] > of logical extension

superior1599

distributable1654

extensive1686

undistributed1827

indistributable1847

extensional1852

coextensive1870

1599 T. Blundeville Art of Logike i. v. 11 [Essential prediction] is..when words superior are spoken of their inferiors..as when the generall kind is spoken of any his speciall kindes.

1660 H. Jeanes 2nd Pt. Mixture Scholasticall Divinity 56 If indifferency were essentiall unto an humane action,..then every singular..thereof must be indifferent too; because the essentials of every thing superiour..are imparted.

1789 J. Bentham Introd. Princ. Morals & Legisl. xvi. §1 n. on p. cci This can only be done in the way of bipartition, dividing each superior branch into two.

1843 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic I. i. vii. §3 Biped is a genus with reference to man and bird, but a species with respect to the superior genus, animal.

1864 F. C. Bowen Treat. Logic iv. 87 Of any two Concepts in such a series, that one is called the Superior, Higher, or Broader, which has the greater Extension.

1966 tr. C. Lévi-Strauss Savage Mind vi. 172 There is a homology between the system of individuals within the class and the system of classes within the superior categories.

2007 P. Thom Logic & Ontol. in Syllogistic R. Kilwardby 19 He states that denominative terms enter into true..propositions only when they are mutually convertible, or when they are related as inferior and superior, as in ‘Everything white is coloured’.

a. With comparative implied but not stated. Higher in degree, amount, importance, quantity, etc.; of greater value; of a higher grade or quality; greater, better, finer (than other persons or things of the same type).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [adjective]

bettereOE

selerOE

betc1175

greaterc1325

unmeeta1393

masculinec1425

above one's matchc1500

superior?c1550

uppera1586

precedent1598

supereminent1599

empyreal1641

prerogative1646

paramount1654

subalternating1671

racy1675

ranking1847

plus1860

?c1550 tr. P. Vergil Eng. Hist. (1846) I. v. 219 In number of schollers and magnificentie of colliges, it is not superior.

1659 G. Lawson Theo-politica i. ix. 47 Government..requires a Superiour Understanding, a Superiour Will, a Superiour Strength.

1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane i. ii Nations unknown..Shall..Bend to his Valour, and Superior Virtue.

1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison I. xx One to whose superior merit, and to whose good fortune, I can subscribe.

1798 Hull Advertiser 14 Apr. 2/4 She escaped by superior sailing.

1816 W. Scott Old Mortality ii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 39 It might be easily defended against a very superior force.

1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xv. 346 The air will enter into the gasometer, being forced inwards by the superior external pressure.

1929 Ann. Amer. Acad. Polit. & Social Sci. 143 267/1 The minorities who, through superior skill or opportunity, have found their way to places seldom filled by women.

1968 R. Miller & D. Sawers Techn. Devel. Mod. Aviation vi. 173 The superior performance offered by the first bombers with swept-back wings.

1992 G. M. Fraser Quartered Safe out Here 98 This was a siege which the Japanese, for all their superior numbers, could not hope to win.

2002 Sunday Herald (Glasgow) 24 Nov. (Seven Days section) 10/3 Purves conceded their superior knowledge and was willing to learn from both.

b. In positive or absolute sense: pre-eminent in degree, amount, or (now usually) quality or standard; high-quality, first-class, first-rate.In the 18th and 19th cent. often applied to persons or their attributes; now usually of things.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > surpassing excellence > [adjective]

sunderlyOE

noblec1330

precellentc1384

passantc1385

especialc1386

passinga1387

surmountingc1407

superlative?a1430

precelling?1435

pre-eminenta1460

outrepassed1477

divine1488

pre-excellenta1500

superexcellent1508

transcending1528

pre-ordinate1543

exceeding1552

superexcelling1554

exquisite1578

surpassingc1580

summary1587

paragon1593

transcendent1598

overmatchful1609

termless1609

overtoppinga1615

paramounta1626

overtowering1639

surpassant1654

transcendental1701

superior1711

towery1731

prize1739

supernala1817

tiptopsome1819

tip-topping1826

par excellence1839

superfine1850

towering1894

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 47. ¶5 Men of superior Sense and Knowledge.

1780 R. B. Sheridan School for Scandal i. i. 4 A person of your superior accomplishments and understanding.

1812 H. Davy Elements Chem. Philos. 3 A species of air that supports flame in a superior degree.

a1817 J. Austen Persuasion (1818) IV. viii. 147 Fanny Harville was a very superior creature.

1837 Blackwood's Lady's Mag. July 28 Going to St. Petersburgh..to improve himself..by mixing in superior society.

1888 M. E. Braddon Fatal Three I. iii. 33 The gardener and his wife were altogether superior people for their class.

1888 ‘J. S. Winter’ Bootle's Children x. 73 Sadly in need of a superior needlewoman!

1891 ‘J. S. Winter’ Lumley i. 14 Let me give you a little more of the mayonnaise,..it's very superior.

1924 Trade Marks Jrnl. 17 Dec. 2876 Very superior very pale dry sherry.

1989 M. Kramer Making Sense of Wine ii. 34 The idea of an aged wine being inherently superior is so much a part of the..vision of fine wine that [etc.].

2010 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 4 Aug. d7/1 It's a traditional method [of making ice cream] that can yield phenomenal results if superior ingredients are used.

a. Belonging to or characteristic of person who is of a higher rank, status, or position; befitting one who is superior (in senses A. 6, A. 7). Also: characteristic of one who is above being affected by something (cf. sense A. 10b).Now rare except with overtones of sense A. 9b.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > absence of emotion > [adjective]

unpassionatea1586

dispassionate1595

kindlessa1596

stupid1595

passionless1603

unpassioned?1605

unpassionated1611

impassionate1621

dispassioneda1631

dispassionated1647

feelinglessa1658

superior1667

unimpassioned1744

throbless1748

apathistical1797

emotionless1800

unemotioned1817

neutrologistic1824

frog-hearted1829

unimpassionate1845

disimpassioned1860

impressionless1864

unemotional1876

sentimentless1880

society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > [adjective] > superior in rank > of person(s)

mainc1540

primea1591

superior1667

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 499 He in delight Both of her Beauty and submissive Charms Smil'd with superior Love.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 532 Here passion first I felt,..in all enjoyments else Superiour and unmov'd.

1742 A. Pope New Dunciad 105 There mov'd Montalto with superior air.

1746 J. Hervey Medit. (1818) 40 With a wise indifference, if not with a superior disdain!

1755 S. Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang. Superior,..free from emotion or concern; unconquered; unaffected.

1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci ii. i. 25 Never again..with fearless eye, And brow superior..Shalt thou strike dumb the meanest of mankind.

1876 Cornhill Mag. 33 116 This handsome courteous gentleman was different from either, and she liked his society and superior ways.

1930 H. Paterson tr. O. F. de Battaglia Dictatorship on its Trial iii. 363 Although they may insolently flaunt their contempt of superior manners,..they merely conceal their fear of being regarded as uncertain of themselves.

2009 D. C. Hoy in H. L. Dreyfus & M. A. Wrathall Compan. Phenomenol. & Existentialism 282 Heidegger is not advocating this attitude of superior indifference [to one's own death].

b. In ironic use. Characteristic of or designating someone who thinks he or she is better than someone else; having or displaying a high opinion of oneself; supercilious, condescending, patronizing.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > pride > pretension to superiority > [adjective]

taunt?a1534

cocket1537

fastuous?1591

cobbing1599

whalebone1602

airy1606

fastigious1625

flatuous1630

high and mighty1633

vapouring1647

flatulent1658

hoity-toity1690

jackanapish1696

superior1711

penseful1788

uppish1789

pensy1790

stuck-up1812

glorified1821

toploftical1823

pretentious1832

sophomoric1837

highty-tighty1847

snippy1848

jumped-up1852

set-up1856

toplofty1859

cock-aloft1861

high-tone1864

high-toned1866

pretensivea1868

fancy-pants1870

hunched1870

snotty1870

head-in-air1880

uppity1880

jackanapsian1881

airified1882

sidey1898

posh1914

upstage1918

snooty1919

high-hatted1924

hincty1924

snot-nosed1941

posho1989

1711 Ld. Shaftesbury Characteristicks I. iii. 319 Conceit and Vanity take superiour Airs.

1760 Monthly Rev. Jan. 77 With superior smile Ye see their [sc. subscription soldiers'] marches, and deride their tail.

1864 B. Disraeli Speech in Comm. 8 July In private life there is always..some person,..who is regarded as a superior person. They decide on everything, they lecture everybody... The right hon. member for Stroud is the ‘superior person’ of the House of Commons.

1897 A. D. Innes Macaulay's Ess. Clive 128 (note) The ‘superior’ person who posed as an authority on matters of culture.

1920 Amer. Woman Aug. 8/2 But really, Robert needn't be so superior with his big words.

1987 R. E. Thompson in H. N. Mandell & H. M. Spiro When Doctors get Sick 342 Joan got mad... ‘He gave me a superior smirk, and I just couldn't control myself.’

2003 R. W. Bly Fool-proof Marketing i. i. 4 The three customers..for whom he did work all complained of his superior attitude.

III. With complement expressing the thing contrasted.

10. Chiefly with to.

a. Higher in status, quality, or importance than (some other person or thing); (hence) greater or better than. Occasionally also with than, †with.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > of high or great importance

worthlyeOE

mickleeOE

greatc1225

right hand?c1225

solemna1387

materialc1475

superior1526

grand1542

weighty1558

main1581

pregnant1591

pregnate1598

materious1611

moliminous1642

momentous1656

magic1696

all-important1748

big1748

eventful1756

colossal1775

bread and butter1822

bada1825

key1832

all-absorbing1834

earth-moving?1834

earth-shaking1835

earth-shatteringa1859

high-ranking1874

beaucoup1917

major league1951

earth-stopping1956

crucial1957

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. FFiiii^v Pride saithe to euery persone..dispyce all other,..thou oughtest to be superiour to them all.

1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 83^v In the one thou arte inferiour to all men, in the other superiour to all beasts.

1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. viii. 369 A City..farre superior in greatnesse with Aleppo.

1642 Bp. J. Taylor Of Sacred Order Episcopacy xi. 60 The Apostles..were Superior to the 72.

1644 J. Evelyn Mem. (1857) I. 91 For stateliness of the buildings, paving, and evenness of the street..far superior to any in Europe.

1785 T. Coke Substance Substance Serm. Ordination F. Asbury 14 (note) An Officer of the Church superior to the Presbyters.

1795 R. Cole Young Angler's Pocket Compan. ix. 35 By some it is thought that the live bait is far superior to any dead bait.

1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice I. xvi. 173 Mr. Wickham was as far beyond them all..as they were superior to the broad-faced stuffy uncle Phillips.

1830 J. F. W. Herschel Prelim. Disc. Study Nat. Philos. 4 He is led to the conception of a Power and an Intelligence superior to his own.

1857 C. Kingsley Two Years Ago II. i. 25 He seems so superior to the people round him.

1907 F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (ed. 2 reissued) I. 269 He was..superior in numbers to the enemy.

1948 Billboard 18 Sept. 115 (advt.) ‘Fiber-loid’ is far superior than wood in strength.

1966 R. Fisher in G. Lagos & S. H. Mendlovitz Disarmament & Econ. Developm. 585 The international position of Canada..is superior to that of Sweden.

2009 New Yorker 2 Mar. 32/2 Atkinson went so far as to claim that her brand of celibate ‘political lesbianism’ was morally superior to the sexually active version.

b. Too great or strong to be overcome by; above yielding to or being influenced by; unaffected by.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > operation upon something > [adjective] > involving subjection to action or influence > able or liable to be affected > not

superior1566

unsubject1583

unliable1590

insusceptible1603

uncapable1611

unexposeda1691

impassive1715

unsusceptible1734

insusceptive1752

waterproof1797

unsubjectable1829

immune1861

1566 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure I. xii. f. 29^v He laughed a good pace at him, who saied that he was superiour to loue.

1604 R. Parsons Relation Triall before King of France 15 His mind is superior to all wordly welth & promotion.

1648 Earl of Clarendon Full Answer to Declar. Commons 143 The conscience..[which] maketh Him superiour to their insolence, contempt and Tyranny.

1700 M. Prior Written in Robe's Geogr. 11 That I may Read, and Ride, and Plant, Superior to Desire, or Want.

1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 33 Jealousy of his Master's honour (to whom his Fidelity was Superior to any temptation).

1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest II. viii. 6 Adeline was superior to the affectation of fear.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. ii. 21 To that foible even she was not superior.

1863 M. Oliphant Salem Chapel I. ii. 36 So strangely superior to her surroundings, yet not despising or quarrelling with them.

1914 T. G. Roberts Wasp xx. 341 Superior to fatigue himself,..James sweated his men like a slave-driver.

1964 S. Sacks Fiction & Shape of Belief 187 The Stoic notion of the desirability of becoming superior to passion.

2005 P. Nicholson Love & Ethics Gower's Confessio Amantis i. 92 Capaneus and Narcissus, one of whom refuses to bow to God and the other of whom thinks himself superior to love.

c. Science. Higher in physical level or position than another structure, formation, etc.

ΚΠ

1666 R. Boyle Hydrostatical Paradoxes 124 The first part of our Paradox will hold, not only when the water, superior to the body it Presses upon, is free; but also when it is included in Vessels.

1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) 307 (caption) Another Epiploica superior to the precedent [L. Alia Epiploica præcedenti superior.].

1787 T. Martyn tr. J.-J. Rousseau Lett. Elements Bot. (ed. 2) xv. 159 These and all others of this natural order have monopetalous corols, succeeded by one seed, to which they are superior.

1848 R. Harrison Text-bk. Pract. Anat. 430 The motor or smaller portion is at first superior to the sensitive.

1877 H. A. Nicholson Anc. Life-hist. Earth (1878) xvii. 259 Near Maestricht in Holland, there occurs a series of yellowish limestones, of about 100 feet in thickness, and undoubtedly superior to the White Chalk.

1907 tr. J. Sobotta Atlas & Text-bk. Human Anat. III. 198 It [sc. the ciliary ganglion] lies in the fatty tissue of the posterior portion of the orbit,..medial to the abducens, and a little superior to the inferior ramus of the oculomotor nerve.

1911 Monthly Notices Royal Astron. Soc. 71 453 If we regard the orbits from the point of view of mean distance form the Sun, they show a mode of transition..for bodies moving in orbits superior to the planet [sc. Jupiter] to bodies in orbits inferior to the planet.

2007 K. Roberts et al. Handbk. Plant Sci. I. 22/1 The ovary is superior to the rest of the [hypogynous] flower.

d. Transcending, on a higher plane than.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [adjective] > on a higher plane

superior1841

1841–8 F. Myers Catholic Thoughts II. iii. §7. 22 Human thought is always superiour to its expression.

1865 W. E. H. Lecky Hist. Rationalism II. 32 A bond of unity that is superior to the divisions of nationhood.

1920 H. J. Cadbury National Ideals in Old Test. 98 Jehovah seemed to them superior to national prejudices and partisanship.

1997 W. McBride in R. Martin & G. Sprenger Challenges to Law at End 20th Cent. c. 196 [The idea] that ‘the law’ is superior to claims about ‘rights’.

B. n.

1. Feudal Law (chiefly Scots Law). A person granting tenure of a feudal fee to another (the vassal) on condition of the annual payment of a certain sum or the performance of certain services. Now historical.See also subject superior n. at subject adj. and adv. Compounds.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > tenure of property > one who has tenure > [noun] > (feudal) superior

lordOE

superior1472

lord of the manor1528

lord of the soil1594

1472 in W. Fraser Lennox (1874) II. 90 Quhen the said Erle Duncane dissesyt..the keping of the landys..came into the kingis handis as superior and cheyff lord.

?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1876) VI. 11 When the superior dredethe not to oppresse his inferior.

a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 76 Yf a man dye..levyng hys heyre wythin age, hys landys fal in to the handys of the sayd superyor & lord.

1561 Abst. Protocols Town Clerks Glasgow (1896) III. 3 David Bruce..resignit,..and ouregaif in the handis of Robert Callendar..his superior, all and haile ane pece of the Mayneis of B.

1567 Reg. Privy Council Scott. 1st Ser. I. 540 The giftis of wardis..falland..in oure said sonnis handis as superiour thairof.

a1646 T. Hope Minor Practicks (1726) 69 If the king or any other superior give a letter of regress [etc.]..the user of the redemption is immediately seased, upon the sight of the regress.

1689 in Acts Parl. Scotl. (1875) XII. 74/1 The forfaultors of vassells and cre[dito]rs..who shall be innocent of þair superiors or debitors crymes.

1710 in Further Evid. Nairne Peerage (1874) 153 in Sessional Papers House of Lords (H.L. D) XII. 199 Our immediat lawfull superiors of the said lands.

1758 J. Dalrymple Ess. Hist. Feudal Prop. (ed. 2) 46 In the origin of the feudal law in Europe, the gift which the vassal on his entry gave to the superior, consisted of armour.

1882 Encycl. Brit. XIV. 264/1 Each owner who holds of the sovereign may grant a subordinate estate to be held of himself as ‘superior’ or lord.

1998 Stornoway Gaz. 31 Dec. 8/4 Will the SLC proposals eliminate the right of the feudal superior to obstruct the development of land and property by the abolition of the Scottish Feudal System in 1999?

2. gen. A person superior to another in status or office; one who is above others in social or official position; (now esp.) a higher-ranking officer, worker, or colleague. Frequently with possessive adjective.Also figurative in personifications.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > [noun] > person of > specific superior

un-i-makeOE

betterOE

higherOE

greaterc1350

priora1425

overerc1443

superior?a1475

superordinate1816

?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1871) III. 443 Appellacion awe to be hade from the inferior to þe superior [L. ad majorem].

1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. 37^v/2 Lyke as they were inobedyent to theyr superyor ryght soo theyr membres began to meue ayenst theyr superior.

?1504 W. Atkinson tr. Thomas à Kempis Ful Treat. Imytacyon Cryste (Pynson) iii. xiv. sig. J.i^v Lerne thou to obey gladlye to thy superior.

1565 T. Harding Confut. Apol. Church of Eng. bviii. f. 190 The Bishop of Rome..in spirituall causes can haue no superiour.

1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 170 The Archbishop thereof long time challenged the Primacie in the Italian Church, neuer acknowledging the Bishop of Rome for superiour.

1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (i. 1 Paraphr.) 5 The Rebukes and Censures of Superiours.

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Vicount A Vicountess may have her Gown bore up by a Woman, out of the Presence of her Superiors.

1781 W. Cowper Charity 275 While conscience..Owns no superior but the God she fears.

1817 S. Parr Wks. (1828) VII. 257 In respectful conformity to the commands of my ecclesiastical superiors.

1844 G. R. Gleig Light Dragoon xxv Our superiors may think as they please,—but we, who fill up the ranks of the British army, know [etc.].

1876 J. Grant Hist. Burgh Schools Scotl. ii. ii. 128 It is unpleasant for a teacher to be opposed to his patrons and superiors.

1950 S. J. Perelman Swiss Family Perelman vi. 103 Van Wuppertal feverishly bade the rest of the party wait and rushed me to his superior's office.

1997 P. Wilson Calm at Work (1998) 40 It may not be wise to walk out on a well-paying job because your immediate superior doesn't like you.

2008 Atlantic Monthly Jan. 52/2 Without the knowledge of his superiors, he effectively legalizes drugs in West Baltimore.

a. Christian Church. The head of a convent, monastery, or similar religious community, congregation, or institution. Also: the overall head of a religious order (in full superior general; less commonly general superior), or a branch within it. superior generalship: the office or role of a superior general.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > church government > monasticism > religious superior > conventual head > [noun]

presidentc1410

superior1496

sovereign1534

rector1601

Father Superior1612

society > faith > church government > monasticism > religious superior > [noun]

ministerc1300

general1560

superior general1775

mandriarch1871

1496 J. Alcock Mons Perfeccionis (de Worde) sig. Cvi But & he be inobedyent vnto his superior thenne he is no monke but a deuyll.

1582 W. Allen Briefe Hist. Glorious Martyrdom sig. d3 So making his choise of the societie of the name of Jesvs, he went to Rome, where by the superior of that order he was admitted.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. xvii. 102 b A generall chapter or assembly, in which their Priour or Superiour is president.

1621 Eng. Protestants Plea for Eng. Preists & Papists 61 The supposed guiltines of M. Garnet, superior of the Iesuits here at that time.

c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1644 (1955) II. 213 A Benedictine Monke, and Superior of his Order for the English Colledg of Doway.

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) Minister, among the Jesuits, is the second Superior..of each house.

1775 in C. Butler Hist. Mem. Eng. Catholics (1821) IV. lxxv. §9. 353 The society of Jesus, of which I was superior-general.

1822 J. Lanigan Eccl. Hist. Irel. III. 60 The monastery of Hy, whose abbot was the general superior of the whole Columbian order.

1844 A. P. de Lisle in E. S. Purcell Life & Lett. A. P. de Lisle (1900) I. vii. 118 After dinner the Superior of the Passionist Monks called upon us.

1883 Encycl. Brit. XVI. 709/1 The founder in 1115 entrusted the superior-generalship of the whole institute to the abbess of the nuns.

1912 Catholic Encycl. XIII. 284/2 After holding the office of Superior General of the Xaverians for twenty-seven years.

2003 Church Times 7 Feb. 25/5 She was on the compound when dacoits broke in and murdered the Superior, Fr Macbeth.

†b. gen. A governor, head, superintendent (without the notion of rank on a scale). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > control > person in control > [noun] > superintendent

architector1461

earl1483

overlookera1513

superior1554

superintender1573

superintendent1603

surintendent1645

epistates1651

intendant1652

referee1705

supercargo1713

surveillant1819

super1849

supe1908

1554 W. Prat tr. J. Boemus Discr. Aphrique v. sig. Gj^v There is gyuen to theym an other superior by the Cytizens.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. x. 90 Ouer these two kitchins..are set and ordained foure superiours.

a1677 I. Barrow Of Industry (1693) 69 Is a man a Governour, or a Superiour in any capacity? then what is he, but a publick servant,..hired..to wait on his people.

1760 Mod. Part Universal Hist. XXIII. 396/1 King Phillip..appointed superiors, by the title of presidents, to see that ever thing was done with decency and order.

1779 H. Arnot Hist. Edinb. iv. 502 The town-council of Edinburgh are superiors of the Canongate, Portsborourgh, and Leith, they appoint certain of their own number bailies of these boroughs of barony.

4. A person, or (less commonly) a thing of higher or greater quality, character, value, etc., than another; one that is above or excels another in some respect. Often with genitive pronoun or of.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [noun] > better or superior person or thing

betterOE

unlikea1300

superior1537

overmatch1590

transcendent1613

go-by1823

outshiner1864

super-individual1911

1537 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour (new ed.) i. iii. f. 14 The superiours in condition or hauiour, shulde haue also preeminence in administration.

1598 I. D. tr. L. Le Roy Aristotles Politiques iii. vi. 153 Those only are to be accounted superiors, who are superiours in vertue.

1634 J. Ford Chron. Hist. Perkin Warbeck i. sig. B4^v I am confident Thou wilt proportion all thy thoughts to side Thy equalls, if not equall thy superiors.

1681 J. Scott Christian Life: Pt. I iii. 216 To honour those that are our Superiours whether in Place or Vertue.

1715 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad I. ii. 722 Dorion,..Superior once of all the tuneful Race.

1757 E. Burke Philos. Enq. Sublime & Beautiful iv. §24. 164 Their superiors in the politic and military virtues.

1808 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. iii, in Poems (ed. 2) 115 None his Superior and his Equals, few.

1835 C. Dickens Let. May (1965) I. 62 I am very little your superior in years: in no other respect can I lay claim to the title.

1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 231 No one is the superior of the invincible Socrates in argument.

1911 W. M. F. Petrie Revol. of Civilisation iii. 54 The period of art which is the rival, if not the superior, of the classical age.

2003 P. R. Watt & J. Green Alternative Sherlock Holmes v. 188 Philip Marlowe, judged as a detective, must rank as the equal—and, to many, the superior—of Holmes.

5. Astronomy. A superior planet: see sense A. 3a. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > planet > primary planet > superior planet > [noun]

superior1587

1587 A. Fleming 3rd Table Chron. Eng. sig. F.iij/1, in A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III Planets superiors coniunction.

1679 J. Moxon Math. made Easie at Postventional Before or after any great Conjunction of the Superiors.

1844 Jrnl. Agric. Mar. 389 Ask whether they can retrace a period wherein the three superiors, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, have displayed so many magnificent interchanges?

1997 D. Ovason Secrets Nostradamus (2001) iii. 110 On May 1, 1525, both superiors, Saturn and Jupiter, were briefly in the same sign of Aries.

†6. Mathematics. A number or symbol written above another. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > mathematical notation or symbol > [noun] > figure > in specific place or position

place?a1400

superior1702

1702 V. Mandey tr. J. J. Hainlin Synopsis Mathematica: Theoret. Arithm. iv. 68 Subtract the Multiplied from its Superior [L. a superiori].

7. Printing and Typography. A superior letter, figure, character, etc.: see sense A. 4. Cf. superscript n. 2.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > printing > printed matter > printed character(s) > [noun] > small letter or figure above line

superior1722

1722 S. Lowe Specimen Defects & Errors Dean Prat's Lat. Gram. 10/1 in Proposal for Perfecting Lat. Gram. We are refer'd..sometimes by superior letters..[and] sometimes by superiors in parenthesi.

1770 P. Luckombe Conc. Hist. Printing 258 Superiors of the smallest size are..inconvenient to the Reader.

1882 J. Southward Pract. Printing (1884) 17 For use in algebraic..works small letters are cast upon the upper part of the shank. These are called superiors.

1916 L. A. Legros & J. C. Grant Typogr. Printing-surfaces 127 The superiors are used for abbreviations, such as:—M^gr Monseigneur,..N^os Numeros, etc.

2007 W. W. Rice How to Prepare Defense-related Sci. & Techn. Rep. 58 Italic type should be used for all letter symbols representing numbers... This includes capital letters, lowercase letters, small capital letters, and superiors (superscripts).

C. adv.

1. In the manner of a person who is (now usually affectedly) superior; with a superior air (cf. sense A. 9). colloquial (nonstandard) in later use.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [adverb] > in superior style

superior1667

the mind > emotion > pride > haughtiness or disdainfulness > [adverb]

dignelyc1374

hautainlyc1400

deignouslyc1440

disdaininglyc1485

royally?c1500

disdainouslya1513

haughtly1523

superciliously1528

disdainishly?1529

disdainfullya1533

disdainedly1535

lordlikea1555

squeamishly1571

haughtily1572

state1579

coy1581

lordly1589

overly1610

lordlily1611

condescendingly1653

on (also upon) the high ropes (also rope)1672

coyly1673

cavalierly1718

slightily1740

skeigh1792

patronizingly1834

Olympically1839

superiorly1844

Olympianly1871

superior1891

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 905 Hostile scorn, which he susteind Superior, nor of violence fear'd aught.

1716 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad II. v. 517 The Sire of Gods and Men superior smil'd [Gk. μείδησεν].

1816 J. Austen Emma II. viii. 146 Jane Fairfax did look and move superior .

1891 S. Fiske Holiday Stories (Boston ed.) i. 11 I no longer smiled superior upon Paddy from Cork.

1921 M. F. H. B. Dowdall Three Loving Ladies ix. 106 It used not to be considered the thing..to encourage people who lived in poky houses and ‘talked superior’.

1945 Z. N. Hurston Let. 21 Aug. in Life in Lett. (2002) 527 They say that they would prefer me to a ‘Gringo’ who would come down, patronize them and act superior in other ways.

2010 G. Bolton Refl. Pract. (ed. 3) xiii. 226 If he was a cat he'd be a Siamese small eyes, and coming over all superior.

†2. In physical sense: in or into a higher position; higher; upward. Chiefly poetic. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > high position > [adverb] > higher

highereOE

upwarda1300

upperc1384

uppermorec1400

superiorly1556

upwards1577

superior1718

the world > space > direction > specific directions > [adjective] > having upward direction > to a higher position

upper1607

superior1718

1718 M. Prior Henry & Emma 113 When Superior now the Bird has flown, And headlong brought the tumbling Quarry down.

1718 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad IV. xiii. 41 He sits superior, and the Chariot flies.

1785 T. Dwight Conquest of Canäan iii. 76 We, fair freedom's sons, superior fly To peace, and transport, in a kinder sky.

1807 J. Barlow Columbiad vi. 221 Tall on the boldest bark superior shone A warrior ensign'd with a various crown.

3. With to.

†a. In a superior way or manner, to a superior or greater degree. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [adverb]

betOE

beforeOE

bettera1200

toforec1440

higherc1500

superiorlya1643

superior1762

1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World I. 217 It is to this ductility of the laws that an Englishman owes the freedom he enjoys superior to others.

1785 G. A. Bellamy Apol. Life (ed. 3) I. 45 I loved his Lordship superior to the whole world.

b. Above, or as though above, the effect, influence, or reach of something.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > operation upon something > [adverb] > above the influence or reach of

superior1804

1804 ‘E. de Acton’ Tale without Title II. 100 If there are any who wish to act superior to that last-mentioned very useful endowment.

1882 A. W. Ward Dickens iii. 69 The Daily News was to rise superior to the opportunism..of the Times.

1920 Railway Rev. 66 223 The Kansas spirit, which he so well represents, rose superior to threats.

Compounds

superior conjunction n. Astronomy a conjunction in which an inferior planet (Mercury or Venus) is aligned with the sun when on the far side of its orbit as seen from the earth; (also) the conjunction of a satellite with its primary when on the far side of its orbit.In quot. 1550 the sense is either ‘greater (more important) conjunctions’ or perhaps ‘conjunctions of the superior planets’.

ΚΠ

1550 T. Phaer tr. J. Goeurot Regiment of Life (rev. ed.) sig. M.vii That influence hath more dominacion, then haue all the other influences of the hole yere beside, excepte the superiour coniuncions of the planetes, or els some greate eclyps.]

1717 Philos. Trans. 1714–16 (Royal Soc.) 29 468 The whole Disk of a Planet at that distance from the Sun would be the Maximum, viz. when in its superior Conjunction with the Sun.

1833 J. F. W. Herschel Astronomy viii. 253 The superior conjunction will happen when the earth arrives at D, and the planet at d in the same line prolonged on the other side of the sun.

1925 Publ. Astron. Soc. Pacific 37 206 The twelve maximum ellipticities that we have observed..occur in the following longitudes, counting from superior conjunction with the planet as zero degrees.

2003 UFO Mag. Sept. 74/2 Venus is still on the far side of the Sun having passed through superior conjunction last month.

superior maxilla n. (also †maxilla superior) [after post-classical Latin maxilla superior (1545 or earlier)] Anatomy the upper jawbone; the maxilla (as opposed to the mandible).

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > structural parts > bone or bones > skull > parts of skull > [noun] > jawbones > upper

cheekOE

maxilla?a1425

superior maxilla1697

maxillary1826

upper1878

1565 J. Hall Anat. Thirde Treat. vi. i. 89 in tr. Lanfranc Most Excellent Woorke Chirurg. The iawes are called Maxillæ, as the vpper iawe Maxilla superior, and the nather iawe Maxilla inferior.]

1697 R. Baker Cursus Osteologicus 44 It's thin, arising a little from the outside of the Sinus Glenoides, and meeting with another long Process belonging to the first Bone of the Maxilla superior.

1725 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum (ed. 4) I. at Maxilla superior And Vesalius reckons the Two Ossa Spongiosa among these Bones of the Superior Maxilla.

1897 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. III. 150 A simple superior maxilla is sometimes alone affected by hyperostosis.

2007 Pain 132 213/1 The [right trigeminal] nerve was traced to its most proximal segment just as it entered the superior maxilla.

superior mediastinum n. [after post-classical Latin mediastinum superius (1746 or earlier)] Anatomy the upper part of the mediastinum; the part of the mediastinum above the heart; spec. the part of the mediastinum extending downwards from the thoracic inlet to a plane passing between the manubrium of the sternum and the fourth thoracic vertebra.

ΚΠ

1802 D. P. Blaine Outl. Vet. Art II. 133 They [sc. the pleurae] then separate to pass over the heart and pericardium, from whence they are reflected over the lungs, when on their return, again uniting, they form the superior mediastinum.

1869 J. Struthers in Jrnl. Anat. & Physiol. 3 351 I have, therefore, been in the habit of giving a distinct name to this region—the ‘superior mediastinum’... I define it as bounded behind by the three upper dorsal vertebræ, in front by the manubrium sterni, on each side by the uninterrupted pleura; as reaching above to the superior aperture of the thorax, below to the top of the aortic arch.

1959 Dis. Chest 36 343 (title) Mediastinoscopy: a method for inspection and tissue biopsy in the superior mediastinum.

2009 P. A. Iaizzo et al. Handbk. Cardiac Anat., Physiol. & Devices iv. 33/2 The superior mediastinum contains the major vessels supplying the upper extremity, the neck, and the head.

superior meridian n. [after French méridien supérieur (1796 in the passage translated in quot. 1809)] Astronomy †(a) (in relation to the motion of the sun and moon) that part of the celestial meridian which is above the horizon, or above the celestial equator; the upper meridian (obsolete); (b) (in relation to the motion of circumpolar stars) that part of the celestial meridian which extends from the celestial pole and passes through the zenith (now rare).

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > star > stellar motion > [noun] > highest point

meridian1729

superior meridian1809

the world > the universe > celestial sphere > circle of celestial sphere > [noun] > great circle > hour circle > meridian > superior

superior meridian1809

1809 J. Pond tr. P. S. Laplace Syst. World I. i. xiii. 167 The ocean rises and falls twice in every interval of time comprehended between two consecutive returns of the Moon to the superior meridian [Fr. méridien supérieur].

1827 J. Farrar Elem. Treat. Astron. 28 The time of transit of any one star over the superior meridian..is exactly intermediate between the times when the star is at the same height above the horizon on each side.

1864 Proc. Royal Soc. 13 331 Those waves are not of equal magnitude, the barometer being uniformly higher when the moon is on the inferior meridian, and its attraction is therefore exerted in the same direction as the earth's, than when it is on the superior meridian.

2000 N. Audard-Sword tr. H. Buriller Celestial Sites, Celestial Splendors 158/2 From α Ursae Majoris and λ Draconis, extend an isosceles triangle to the west (at the passage at the superior meridian): the pair of galaxies M81 and M82 will appear.

superior planet n. Astronomy a planet whose orbit lies outside that of the earth (originally, in Ptolemaic astronomy, having its sphere above that of the sun).

ΘΚΠ

the world > the universe > planet > [noun]

superior planet1577

better star1600

planet1640

planetary1819

exoplanet1992

1577Superior Planets [see sense A. 3a].

1583 R. Harvey (title) An Astrological Discourse vpon the great and notable Coniunction of the two superiour Planets, Satvrne & Ivpiter.

1690 W. Leybourn Cursus mathematicus f. 751 The Motion of the Superiour Planets.

1702 R. Morden Introd. Astron. i. 4 The Superior Planets only, encompass the Earth with their Circles.

1786 J. Bonnycastle Introd. Astron. 429 Superior Planets, are those which move at a farther distance from the sun than the earth, and are Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the Georgium Sidus.

1814 J. Playfair Outl. Nat. Philos. II. i. ix. 169 The same [probability] is increased in a quadruplicate ratio, from considering the phenomena of all these four superior planets.

1892 Ohio Statesman 3 May The superior planets..making their regular periodicals around the sun in their regular periods.

1954 C. Payne-Gaposchkin Introd. Astron. (1956) vii. 150 Only superior planets can reach quadrature.

2001 P. Moore 2002 Yearbk. Astron. i. 70 The superior planets are morning objects after conjunction with the Sun, rising earlier each day until they come to opposition.

superior slope n. Fortification now historical the inclined upper surface of the parapet.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > earthwork or rampart > [noun] > parapet > parts of or connected with

talus1645

superior slope1686

bonnet1688

brisure1706

genouillere1802

crémaillère1828

crest1830

plonge1853

plunge1859

apron1918

1686 R. Blome Gentlemans Recreation i. 172 NO, is the Superior Slope, or Glassis of the Parapet, on which the Besieged lay their Musquets when they Fire towards the Compaign.

1723 E. Stone tr. N. Bion Constr. & Principal Uses Math. Instruments iv. viii. 122 The superior slope of the Glacis A N, ought to be made of fine Earth.

1842 R. Burn Naval & Mil. Techn. Dict. French Lang. Plougée..du parapet, superior slope or talus of the parapet towards the country.

2010 J.-D. Lepage Vauban & French Mil. under Louis XIV 88 The superior slope of the parapet, the so-called plongée, was limited on the outside by the external crest and on the inside by the firing crest.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	superior
释义	superioradj.n.adv. Brit. /suːˈpɪərɪə/, /sjuːˈpɪərɪə/, /sᵿˈpɪərɪə/, /sjᵿˈpɪərɪə/, U.S. /səˈpɪriər/ Forms: Middle English–1500s superyor, Middle English–1800s superiour, Middle English– superior, 1500s superyour, late Middle English superioure; also Scottish pre-1700 superioure, pre-1700 supperior, pre-1700 suppiriour. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French superior; Latin superior. Etymology: < (i) Anglo-Norman and Middle French superior, Middle French superiour, French supérieur (in geography) higher, upper, more northerly, further inland (12th cent.), (of the sky) above (12th cent.), (in anatomy) uppermost (1492), outside the orbit of the earth around the sun (1498, originally perceived as outside the sun's orbit around the earth), of higher quality (1588), (of a letter) superscript (1690), and its etymon (ii) classical Latin superior higher in position, upper, further inland, upstream, (of words or statements) coming before in sequence, preceding, previous, above-mentioned, preceding in time, earlier, higher in rank or status, (of age) more advanced, (of sounds) higher in pitch, (of qualities) greater in degree, more powerful or effective, having the upper hand, victorious, in post-classical Latin also (of planets) further from the sun than the earth is (1523 or earlier), comparative (compare -ior suffix²) of superus situated above, upper, heavenly, celestial, earlier, previous < super above (see super- prefix). In use as noun after (i) Middle French superior, superiour, French supérieur (noun) person holding a higher rank in a hierarchy, person holding authority over others (both 1404), item of higher quality (1580), head of a religious community (1656), (ii) classical Latin superior (masculine) person of higher rank, in post-classical Latin also head of a religious community (frequently from 12th cent. in British sources), royal official in a town, chief officer of a borough, foreman of a jury (from 13th cent. in British sources), feudal overlord (from 14th cent. in British sources), and also (iii) classical Latin superius (neuter) something that is higher in position, in post-classical Latin also number or figure standing above another (1663 in the passage translated in quot. 1702 at sense B. 6). Compare Old Occitan superior (1390), Spanish superior (a1400), Portuguese superior (15th cent.), Italian superiore (14th cent.).With sense B. 1 compare earlier superiority n. 1. A. adj. I. Senses referring to position or location. 1. a. That is on a higher physical level; situated above or further up than something else; upper. Formerly also: †heavenly, celestial (obsolete).Now chiefly in scientific and technical use.In early use of a region: †more northern (obsolete). ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > a land or country > part of country or district > [adjective] > in high position superiora1393 uppera1400 high?a1425 the world > the universe > sky, heavens > [adjective] heavenisheOE heavenlyOE celestialc1400 celestinec1430 supernal?1504 celical1521 elemental1527 ethereal1530 celest1535 impyre1554 skyey1587 vaultedc1590 firmamental1600 empyreal1605 superior1632 firmamentary1633 ethereous1667 skied1789 the world > space > relative position > high position > [adjective] > in higher position overeOE ovewardeOE higherOE overmorec1350 overhighera1382 overerc1400 upper1467 superior1632 overriding1883 a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. l. 2447 In Ynde the superiour. ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1865) I. 127 (MED) Cedar is a region in the superior parte [L. in superiori parte] of Palestine. 1553 R. Eden tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India sig. Fj^v The superiour or high India..is a region excedinge large. 1632 P. Massinger Emperour of East i. ii. sig. C4^v The motion, with the diuers operations Of the superior bodies. 1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. ii. 101 The superiour particles of the Ayr pressing the inferiour. 1702 V. Mandey tr. J. J. Hainlin Synopsis Mathematica: Theoret. Arithm. ii. 21 Numerator, is the superior Term [L. terminus superior] of the Fraction. 1714 A. Pope Rape of Lock (new ed.) ii. 14 Amid the Circle, on the gilded Mast, Superior by the Head, was Ariel plac'd. 1799 R. Kirwan Geol. Ess. 380 All the superior earthy and stony matter having been swept away by floods. 1838 C. Lyell Elem. Geol. xii. 268 The relative age of the superior and inferior portions of the earth's crust. 1839 R. I. Murchison Silurian Syst. i. xxxiii. 441 The sandy flagstone..is, apparently, thrown unconformably against the superior formations. 1879 Cassell's Techn. Educator (new ed.) I. 98/1 The superior course [in building]. 1907 E. D. Peters Princ. Copper Smelting xiii. 497 Even when the superior layers of ground are tolerably firm, it is better to excavate it until the hardpan is reached. 1952 H. M. Stone & A. Stone Marriage Man. (ed. 2) viii. 210 The woman may assume the ‘superior’ or upper position. 2010 A. Almusaed Biophilic & Bioclimatic Archit. xi. 153 The..drainage component..has water saving pockets on the superior part. b. Preceding in time or serial order; coming before in a sequence; earlier, former, previous. rare.Only in translations from other languages, as Latin, Spanish, etc. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > preceding or following in order > [adjective] > preceding in order precedent1418 aforegoingc1443 precedingc1485 superior1534 foregoing1605 prior1607 preposed1608 previous1621 1534 R. Whittington tr. Cicero Thre Bks. Tullyes Offyces iii. sig. Q.8 To the whiche selfe questyons & consultacyons of the superiour bokes [L. ex superioribus libris] many thinges be suffyciently disputed. 1599 A. M. tr. O. Gaebelkhover Bk. Physicke 132/2 Adde..to the superiour potion a qu[arter] of an ownce of redd Roses. 1837 tr. A. De Castro Let. 24 Nov. 1836 in Rep. 25th U.S. Congr. 1 Sess. House Appendix 208/2 Excellent Sir: In consequence of the superior note of your excellency, of the 19th instant,..I have this day closed the subject in question. 2001 tr. L. De Torres Let. in R. Lévesque Hist. Micronesia XVII. 151 Trying to comply in full with what Y.L. has ordered me to do in your Superior letter of instruction. 2. Anatomy and Zoology. That is the upper or uppermost (of two or more parts of the body); located at or near the highest point (of the body, part, organ, etc.). Contrasted with inferior adj. 7. ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > positions or directions in body > [adjective] > specific rightOE lefta1200 lowera1400 furtherc1400 lateral?a1425 sinistera1500 upper1528 anterior?1541 inferior1563 superior1566 oblique1578 high1588 ascendant1611 prone1646 peripherial1653 internal1657 supine1661 peripherical1690 gawk1703 ascending1713 adducent1722 submental1722 adductory1752 subdorsal1783 syntropic18.. atlantal1803 mesiad1803 mesial1803 proximal1803 sternal1803 distal1808 peripheral1808 peripheric1818 ventripetal1819 submedial1825 anteriormostc1826 subvertebral1827 afferent1828 sinistral1828 rostral1834 interganglionic1835 submedian1836 mesian1837 haemal1839 supravaginal1844 neural1846 symmetrical1851 suprameatal1853 paraxial1861 posterial1866 hypaxial1873 postaxial1873 preaxial1873 transmedial1876 transmedian1876 mediad1878 horizontal1881 mesal1881 prosomatic1882 dextrad1883 paramedian1890 prorsal1890 ventro-dorsal1895 midsagittal1898 ventro-axial1902 ventro-posterior1903 ipsilateral1907 parasagittal1907 ventromedial1908 homolateral1910 suprasellar1912 supratemporal1975 1566 W. Painter tr. O. Landi Delectable Demaundes ii. f. 30 Through his great stiptisitie or costifnest it [sc. the Mermalade of quinces] closeth the nether partes of the ventricle: and if it be taken after repast, it closeth the superior partes of the stomake, which being shut, the meates be constrained to auoyde by the inferior parte. 1639 I. W. tr. P. Guybert Charitable Physitian 143 After that you may show the belly inferiour, that is the stomacke and the Epipleon; considering the orifice superiour, and inferiour, and afterwards the bowells, bladder, and other things. 1673 F. Oswell Let. 15 Jan. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1973) IX. 419 It is done by stopping exactly all passages wch are for inspiration of air by mouth or nostrills, & inserting a tub[e] betwixt two of the superior annulare cartilages. 1733 G. Douglas tr. J. B. Winslow Anat. Expos. Struct. Human Body I. 39 They cover these Orifices much in the same manner as the superiour Conchæ of the Ethmoidal Bone cover the Maxillary Openings. 1765 Philos. Trans. 1764 (Royal Soc.) 54 184 We may justly infer the plexiform unions of the nerves distributed to the superior extremities not more intimate, nor to serve any such purpose as Ganglions. 1826 W. Kirby & W. Spence Introd. Entomol. IV. 335 Superior, the anterior wings are so denominated if when at rest they are placed upon the posterior wings. 1881 St. G. Mivart Cat 72 The superior meatus of the nose. 1914 Jrnl. Compar. Neurol. 24 33 The superior laryngeal nerve leaves the vagus at the level of the nodose ganglion. 1960 D. C. Braungart & R. Buddeke Introd. Animal Biol. (ed. 5) xix. 317 Blood is returned from the head by two jugular veins and from the arms by subclavian veins, all of which unite to form the superior vena cava before entering the heart. 2005 I. McEwan Saturday i. 10 It was deep in the superior cerebellar vermis. She'd already suffered early-morning headaches, blind spots and ataxia—unsteadiness. 3. Astronomy. Contrasted with inferior adj. 5. a. Originally (with reference to Ptolemaic astronomy): further from the earth (as the centre of the universe); esp. beyond the supposed orbit or sphere of the sun. Now: further from the sun. Originally and chiefly in superior planet n. at Compounds. ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > planet > primary planet > superior planet > [adjective] superial?a1475 superior1577 1577 T. Rogers tr. C. Leowitz in T. Rogers tr. S. à Geveren Of Ende of World f. 15 In the moneth of May, there shall happen a great coniunction of the superior Planets in the last ende of Pisces. 1786 J. Bonnycastle Introd. Astron. xx. 358 The face of Mars, on the contrary, is always found to be round and full, as his superior situation requires. 1873 Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc. 13 145 The successive doubling of the differences, places each of the theoretical intermediate planets at a centre of oscillation between the next inferior and the next superior planet. 1964 Isis 55 309 The generalized heliostatic-Copernican representation for superior planetary motion..is next set out in Figure 8a, with its detailed specification for Mars in Figure 8b. 2009 L. Kurzawa Fund. Force xx. 212 When coming into conjunction, the planet in the superior orbit will shorten its orbit and increase in velocity. b. Designating the higher of two transits of a celestial object across the celestial meridian, either above the pole (in the case of a circumpolar star), or above the horizon or the equator (in the case of the moon). Cf. superior meridian n. at Compounds. ΚΠ 1815 tr. C. S. de M. de Martemont Treat. Topogr. I. 105 The stars that are only 20° from the pole may be observed at Paris in both their superior and inferior passages. 1836 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 126 303 If the tide which happens at 11^h 50^m a.m. today be the one which follows a superior transit, the tide which happens at 0^h 20^m p.m. tomorrow will also follow a superior transit. 1866 Jrnl. Amer. Oriental Soc. 8 39 The limiting star..is γ Pegasi; it was chosen, we are to believe, on account of its relation to the superior transit of β Ursæ Minoris, and the inferior of ζ Ursæ Majoris. 1915 Asiatic Pilot (U.S. Hydrogr. Office) V. 482 In the Mabul Passage the tidal streams were observed to set as follows: At moon's superior transit, slack water. At 3h. after superior transit, north-northeast; maximum velocity, 1.2 knots. 2001 J. Murray Moon Phase Whitetail Hunting ii. 12 When the Moon peaks at its superior transit most directly overhead, it exerts its maximum influence upon the Earth's inhabitants. 4. Printing and Typography. Of a letter, figure, character, etc.: written or printed above the line, or near the top of the ordinary letters. Cf. superscript adj. ΘΚΠ society > communication > printing > printed matter > printed character(s) > [adjective] > others descending1676 superior1683 inferior1888 serifed1889 serif1904 in-line1923 1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. Dict. 391 Superiour Letters, are often set to Marginal Notes. 1727–51 E. Chambers Cycl. at Apocope When the Apocopation is marked with a superior comma..the word is said to be apostrophated. 1755 J. Smith Printer's Gram. 76 Superior Letters, or else Superior Figures..were originally..intended to be employ'd in Matter that is explained by Notes. 1847 F. Madden Laȝamon's Brut III. 657 Instead of brackets, superior commas should have been used. 1921 J. L. Seward Hist. Town Sullivan, New Hampsh., 1777–1917 II. 818 The small, superior figures refer, in each case, to the number of the generation represented by the person. 1995 M. C. Atlas Author's Handbk. Styles for Life Sci. Jrnls. (1996) 284/1 List table footnotes in order of appearance with consecutive superior letters. 5. Botany. Growing or situated above another part or organ; esp. designating the ovary when situated above or free from the sepals and petals of the calyx, and the calyx when situated above the ovary. Also: located at or pointing towards the apex of the plant or plant part. Contrasted with inferior adj. 6.In quot. 1849: †designating those parts of an axillary flower which lie nearest to the axis (= posterior adj. 2a) (obsolete rare). ΘΚΠ the world > plants > part of plant > (defined by) distribution, arrangement, or position > [adjective] > situated above or below anterior1754 superior1763 subtending1777 inferior1785 1763 J. Wheeler Botanist's & Gardener's New Dict. 238/1 The corolla consists of two valves: the superior valve is angular, of an oval, accuminated figure, bellied, and longer than the cup, and terminates in a very long arista. 1785 T. Martyn tr. J.-J. Rousseau Lett. Elements Bot. v. 55 Such are called superior flowers, as being above the germ. 1845 J. Lindley School Bot. (1862) 13 In many cases the calyx is united to the surface of the pistil..and is then called superior or adherent. 1849 J. H. Balfour Man. Bot. §357 If a whorl of the flower consists of four parts, that which is turned towards the floral axis is called superior or posterior. 1861 R. Bentley Man. Bot. i. iv. 351 The radicle is said to be superior or ascending..when it is directed towards the apex of the pericarp. 1902 F. W. Oliver et al. tr. A. Kerner von Marilaun Nat. Hist. Plants I. 97 Water dropping from the outward-bent and drooping apices of superior leaves is arrested by that part of an inferior leaf which shelves towards the stem. 1918 Bot. Gaz. 66 346 This kind of silky pubescence may be seen on the lower surface of the first (lowermost) leaves.., while the later (superior) leaves bear more or less villous hairs. 1952 P. Mann Systematics Flowering Plants ii. 208 The ovary is superior, made of three joined carpels. 1970 Flora Neotropica 2 52 Seeds ellipsoid..; embryo straight with flat cotyledons and superior radicle. 2006 W. G. Hopkins Plant Devel. vii. 118 Ovaries may be either superior or inferior, depending on where the sepals, petals, and stamens are attached. II. Senses referring to status or rank. 6. a. Higher in rank, status, position, or office; having more authority; higher-ranking, senior. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > [adjective] > superior in rank highereOE furtherc1000 superior1483 superordinate1615 precedential1836 upscale1966 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. ccci/2 She rendryd to eueryche that was his, that is to wete, to god obedyence, vnto her superiour prelate, reuerence. 1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. kv^v/1 God hath..made the superyor in worldly puyssaunce aboue al other kynges. 1539 C. Tunstall Serm. Palme Sondaye (1823) 37 For who is superiour? he that sytteth at the table, or he that serueth at the table? is not he superiour that sytteth? 1558 C. Goodman (title) How superior powers oght to be obeyd of their subiects. 1612 For Colony Virginea Britannia 25 If any Lanceprizado, Corporall, or superior officer shall neglect his or their duty, [etc.]. 1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 167 If thou wilt fall down, And worship me as thy superior Lord. View more context for this quotation 1726 J. Ayliffe Parergon Juris Canonici Anglicani 72 This kind of an Appeal..transfers the Cognizance of the Cause to the Superiour Judge. 1760 Cautions & Advices to Officers of Army 149 Putting so palpable an Affront on his superior Officer. 1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) I. 462 Either party may appeal to the superior court. 1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. v. ix. 290 He says, he obeyed superior orders. 1875 H. J. S. Maine Lect. Early Hist. Inst. iv. 102 Superior ownership has arisen through..purchase from small allodial proprietors. 1903 H. H. Risley & E. A. Gait Rep. Census India 1901 §701 The custom which..compels [a woman] to marry in a group equal or superior in rank. 1966 R. Fisher in R. A. Falk & S. H. Mendlovitz Disarmament & Econ. Developm. 476 The intermediate commanding officer..may have the ability to carry off a military strike without superior authority. 2008 K. S. Nielsen et al. in C. Scholz & H. Böhm Human Resource Managem. in Europe iv. 94 New objectives and success criteria..are agreed upon between employees and their superior managers. b. Christian Church. Designating the head of a religious order, congregation, community, or institution. Chiefly as postmodifier in titles, as Father Superior, Sister Superior, Mother Superior at mother n.¹ 3a, etc. Cf. sense B. 3. ΘΚΠ society > faith > church government > monasticism > religious superior > conventual head > [noun] presidentc1410 superior1496 sovereign1534 rector1601 Father Superior1612 society > faith > church government > monasticism > religious superior > [noun] > female superioress1756 Superioress General1756 Mother General1865 Sister Superior1991 society > faith > church government > monasticism > religious superior > conventual head > [noun] > female presidentress1650 Reverend Mother1658 superioress1669 provostess1871 Mother Superior1907 Mother Vicaress1930 Mother Prioress1961 Sister Superior1991 1612 W. Fennor Pluto his Trauailes 20 The Father Superiour caused a mortall potion to be tempered for them all. 1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) (at cited word) The chief Governour or Governess of a Monastery, otherwise call'd Superiour Father, or Superiour Mother. 1781 R. Pulteney Gen. View Writings Linnæus Pref. sig. 5 I was moued..by the Reuerend Mother Superiour of the English Teresian-Carmelites, at Antwerpe. 1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy* II. xi. 187 A feeling upon which the Father Superior calculated with security. 1882 E. M. Stewart Stories Christian Schools iii. 114 The Brother Superior at St. Joseph's..caused all possible..inquiries to be made in the neighbourhood. 1907 Athenæum 2 Nov. 545/3 The astute yet saintly mother-superior. 1991 M. Bird & A. Sutherland Living Kindness iii. 51 The Sister Superior was strict for the sisters and nurses, too. 2006 Church Times 23 June 5/1 Now Assistant Mother Superior, she remains a trustee of Helen House. 7. a. Higher in notional or abstract rank, or in a scale or series; of a higher or better nature or character. Sometimes contextually or by implication: supernatural, superhuman. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > very great > and remarkable outnumenc1225 whata1325 outnemea1400 excessive1477 superiora1500 supernatural?1537 supereminent?1563 extraordinary1572 no mean ——1580 metaphysical1589 superhumana1629 uncommon1700 unco1724 some1808 hellacious1847 helluva1905 (a) hang of a1941 a1500 (?c1425) Speculum Sacerdotale (1936) 60 There is thre-fold auctorite of fastynge..the þridde is of the..mageste of the superioure commaundynge. 1509 H. Watson tr. S. Brant Shyppe of Fooles (de Worde) cix. sig. Ee.i Awaken a lytell your spyrytes you the which entendeth vnto the thynges superiours. 1533 T. More Answere Poysened Bk. i. xi. f. xl^v As we say a man is obedyent vnto his owne reason, and yet is not his owne reason another power superiour aboue hym selfe. 1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 36 May it be no wrong Blest heav'ns to you, and your superiour song, That [etc.]. 1660 R. Coke Justice Vindicated Ep. Ded. 7 Conscience..supposes some superior law informing men to do, or not do a thing. 1704 in Mem. Hist. Soc. Pennsylvania (1870) IX. 350 There is a general infatuation, as if by a superior influence, got among us. 1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. iii. 45 The several Passions being naturally subordinate to the one superior Principle of Reflection and Conscience. 1871 B. Stewart Heat (ed. 2) §26 The superior limit of the mercurial thermometer's accurate employment. 1968 Life 5 Apr. 24/3 The awesome implication of these slabs..begins to emerge... They are the cosmic calling cards of some superior intelligence. 2008 Guardian (Nexis) 25 Oct. 35 Central to my atheism is the knowledge that..we have no superior being to guide us out of the mess we are making. b. In theological or religious use: (of the soul, a part of the mind, etc.): of a higher or more refined nature or character. Now rare. ΘΚΠ society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > [adjective] > very upliftedc1454 angelical1527 superior1534 trans-spiritualized1683 1534 J. Fewterer tr. U. Pinder Myrrour Christes Passion f. li^v The superior part of our reason, which onely ought to intende to god and eternall thynges. a1659 F. Rous Aspirations of Student in Academia Cœlestis (1702) 162 While my Superior Mind breatheth and panteth after thee. 1665 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim xxxii. 395 It is an holy, chaste and innocent pleasure..which riseth higher than sense, and seeks the superiour part. a1700 in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1911) 9 342 Keeping herself united to him..whome she possessed in her superior wil and soule, in solitude. 1759 A. Butler Lives Saints IV. 1003 She laboured..to gain..an absolute ascendant of the superiour part of her soul over the inferiour. 1825 Intellect. Repos. New Church July 527 Recalling the mind..from..the allurements of the world, and thus as it were from its lower self, whilst it takes up its abode in its own superior sphere. 1952 tr. C. Borgo Medit. Sacred Heart Jesus Christ viii. 32 The serene peace and quiet of the superior part of the soul at least, are certain fruits of this hidden life. c. Logic. Of a class or genus of things: having greater extension. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical classification > [adjective] > of logical extension superior1599 distributable1654 extensive1686 undistributed1827 indistributable1847 extensional1852 coextensive1870 1599 T. Blundeville Art of Logike i. v. 11 [Essential prediction] is..when words superior are spoken of their inferiors..as when the generall kind is spoken of any his speciall kindes. 1660 H. Jeanes 2nd Pt. Mixture Scholasticall Divinity 56 If indifferency were essentiall unto an humane action,..then every singular..thereof must be indifferent too; because the essentials of every thing superiour..are imparted. 1789 J. Bentham Introd. Princ. Morals & Legisl. xvi. §1 n. on p. cci This can only be done in the way of bipartition, dividing each superior branch into two. 1843 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic I. i. vii. §3 Biped is a genus with reference to man and bird, but a species with respect to the superior genus, animal. 1864 F. C. Bowen Treat. Logic iv. 87 Of any two Concepts in such a series, that one is called the Superior, Higher, or Broader, which has the greater Extension. 1966 tr. C. Lévi-Strauss Savage Mind vi. 172 There is a homology between the system of individuals within the class and the system of classes within the superior categories. 2007 P. Thom Logic & Ontol. in Syllogistic R. Kilwardby 19 He states that denominative terms enter into true..propositions only when they are mutually convertible, or when they are related as inferior and superior, as in ‘Everything white is coloured’. 8. a. With comparative implied but not stated. Higher in degree, amount, importance, quantity, etc.; of greater value; of a higher grade or quality; greater, better, finer (than other persons or things of the same type). ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [adjective] bettereOE selerOE betc1175 greaterc1325 unmeeta1393 masculinec1425 above one's matchc1500 superior?c1550 uppera1586 precedent1598 supereminent1599 empyreal1641 prerogative1646 paramount1654 subalternating1671 racy1675 ranking1847 plus1860 ?c1550 tr. P. Vergil Eng. Hist. (1846) I. v. 219 In number of schollers and magnificentie of colliges, it is not superior. 1659 G. Lawson Theo-politica i. ix. 47 Government..requires a Superiour Understanding, a Superiour Will, a Superiour Strength. 1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane i. ii Nations unknown..Shall..Bend to his Valour, and Superior Virtue. 1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison I. xx One to whose superior merit, and to whose good fortune, I can subscribe. 1798 Hull Advertiser 14 Apr. 2/4 She escaped by superior sailing. 1816 W. Scott Old Mortality ii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 39 It might be easily defended against a very superior force. 1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xv. 346 The air will enter into the gasometer, being forced inwards by the superior external pressure. 1929 Ann. Amer. Acad. Polit. & Social Sci. 143 267/1 The minorities who, through superior skill or opportunity, have found their way to places seldom filled by women. 1968 R. Miller & D. Sawers Techn. Devel. Mod. Aviation vi. 173 The superior performance offered by the first bombers with swept-back wings. 1992 G. M. Fraser Quartered Safe out Here 98 This was a siege which the Japanese, for all their superior numbers, could not hope to win. 2002 Sunday Herald (Glasgow) 24 Nov. (Seven Days section) 10/3 Purves conceded their superior knowledge and was willing to learn from both. b. In positive or absolute sense: pre-eminent in degree, amount, or (now usually) quality or standard; high-quality, first-class, first-rate.In the 18th and 19th cent. often applied to persons or their attributes; now usually of things. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > surpassing excellence > [adjective] sunderlyOE noblec1330 precellentc1384 passantc1385 especialc1386 passinga1387 surmountingc1407 superlative?a1430 precelling?1435 pre-eminenta1460 outrepassed1477 divine1488 pre-excellenta1500 superexcellent1508 transcending1528 pre-ordinate1543 exceeding1552 superexcelling1554 exquisite1578 surpassingc1580 summary1587 paragon1593 transcendent1598 overmatchful1609 termless1609 overtoppinga1615 paramounta1626 overtowering1639 surpassant1654 transcendental1701 superior1711 towery1731 prize1739 supernala1817 tiptopsome1819 tip-topping1826 par excellence1839 superfine1850 towering1894 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 47. ¶5 Men of superior Sense and Knowledge. 1780 R. B. Sheridan School for Scandal i. i. 4 A person of your superior accomplishments and understanding. 1812 H. Davy Elements Chem. Philos. 3 A species of air that supports flame in a superior degree. a1817 J. Austen Persuasion (1818) IV. viii. 147 Fanny Harville was a very superior creature. 1837 Blackwood's Lady's Mag. July 28 Going to St. Petersburgh..to improve himself..by mixing in superior society. 1888 M. E. Braddon Fatal Three I. iii. 33 The gardener and his wife were altogether superior people for their class. 1888 ‘J. S. Winter’ Bootle's Children x. 73 Sadly in need of a superior needlewoman! 1891 ‘J. S. Winter’ Lumley i. 14 Let me give you a little more of the mayonnaise,..it's very superior. 1924 Trade Marks Jrnl. 17 Dec. 2876 Very superior very pale dry sherry. 1989 M. Kramer Making Sense of Wine ii. 34 The idea of an aged wine being inherently superior is so much a part of the..vision of fine wine that [etc.]. 2010 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 4 Aug. d7/1 It's a traditional method [of making ice cream] that can yield phenomenal results if superior ingredients are used. 9. a. Belonging to or characteristic of person who is of a higher rank, status, or position; befitting one who is superior (in senses A. 6, A. 7). Also: characteristic of one who is above being affected by something (cf. sense A. 10b).Now rare except with overtones of sense A. 9b. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > absence of emotion > [adjective] unpassionatea1586 dispassionate1595 kindlessa1596 stupid1595 passionless1603 unpassioned?1605 unpassionated1611 impassionate1621 dispassioneda1631 dispassionated1647 feelinglessa1658 superior1667 unimpassioned1744 throbless1748 apathistical1797 emotionless1800 unemotioned1817 neutrologistic1824 frog-hearted1829 unimpassionate1845 disimpassioned1860 impressionless1864 unemotional1876 sentimentless1880 society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > [adjective] > superior in rank > of person(s) mainc1540 primea1591 superior1667 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 499 He in delight Both of her Beauty and submissive Charms Smil'd with superior Love. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 532 Here passion first I felt,..in all enjoyments else Superiour and unmov'd. View more context for this quotation 1742 A. Pope New Dunciad 105 There mov'd Montalto with superior air. 1746 J. Hervey Medit. (1818) 40 With a wise indifference, if not with a superior disdain! 1755 S. Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang. Superior,..free from emotion or concern; unconquered; unaffected. 1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci ii. i. 25 Never again..with fearless eye, And brow superior..Shalt thou strike dumb the meanest of mankind. 1876 Cornhill Mag. 33 116 This handsome courteous gentleman was different from either, and she liked his society and superior ways. 1930 H. Paterson tr. O. F. de Battaglia Dictatorship on its Trial iii. 363 Although they may insolently flaunt their contempt of superior manners,..they merely conceal their fear of being regarded as uncertain of themselves. 2009 D. C. Hoy in H. L. Dreyfus & M. A. Wrathall Compan. Phenomenol. & Existentialism 282 Heidegger is not advocating this attitude of superior indifference [to one's own death]. b. In ironic use. Characteristic of or designating someone who thinks he or she is better than someone else; having or displaying a high opinion of oneself; supercilious, condescending, patronizing. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pride > pretension to superiority > [adjective] taunt?a1534 cocket1537 fastuous?1591 cobbing1599 whalebone1602 airy1606 fastigious1625 flatuous1630 high and mighty1633 vapouring1647 flatulent1658 hoity-toity1690 jackanapish1696 superior1711 penseful1788 uppish1789 pensy1790 stuck-up1812 glorified1821 toploftical1823 pretentious1832 sophomoric1837 highty-tighty1847 snippy1848 jumped-up1852 set-up1856 toplofty1859 cock-aloft1861 high-tone1864 high-toned1866 pretensivea1868 fancy-pants1870 hunched1870 snotty1870 head-in-air1880 uppity1880 jackanapsian1881 airified1882 sidey1898 posh1914 upstage1918 snooty1919 high-hatted1924 hincty1924 snot-nosed1941 posho1989 1711 Ld. Shaftesbury Characteristicks I. iii. 319 Conceit and Vanity take superiour Airs. 1760 Monthly Rev. Jan. 77 With superior smile Ye see their [sc. subscription soldiers'] marches, and deride their tail. 1864 B. Disraeli Speech in Comm. 8 July In private life there is always..some person,..who is regarded as a superior person. They decide on everything, they lecture everybody... The right hon. member for Stroud is the ‘superior person’ of the House of Commons. 1897 A. D. Innes Macaulay's Ess. Clive 128 (note) The ‘superior’ person who posed as an authority on matters of culture. 1920 Amer. Woman Aug. 8/2 But really, Robert needn't be so superior with his big words. 1987 R. E. Thompson in H. N. Mandell & H. M. Spiro When Doctors get Sick 342 Joan got mad... ‘He gave me a superior smirk, and I just couldn't control myself.’ 2003 R. W. Bly Fool-proof Marketing i. i. 4 The three customers..for whom he did work all complained of his superior attitude. III. With complement expressing the thing contrasted. 10. Chiefly with to. a. Higher in status, quality, or importance than (some other person or thing); (hence) greater or better than. Occasionally also with than, †with. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > of high or great importance worthlyeOE mickleeOE greatc1225 right hand?c1225 solemna1387 materialc1475 superior1526 grand1542 weighty1558 main1581 pregnant1591 pregnate1598 materious1611 moliminous1642 momentous1656 magic1696 all-important1748 big1748 eventful1756 colossal1775 bread and butter1822 bada1825 key1832 all-absorbing1834 earth-moving?1834 earth-shaking1835 earth-shatteringa1859 high-ranking1874 beaucoup1917 major league1951 earth-stopping1956 crucial1957 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. FFiiii^v Pride saithe to euery persone..dispyce all other,..thou oughtest to be superiour to them all. 1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 83^v In the one thou arte inferiour to all men, in the other superiour to all beasts. 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. viii. 369 A City..farre superior in greatnesse with Aleppo. 1642 Bp. J. Taylor Of Sacred Order Episcopacy xi. 60 The Apostles..were Superior to the 72. 1644 J. Evelyn Mem. (1857) I. 91 For stateliness of the buildings, paving, and evenness of the street..far superior to any in Europe. 1785 T. Coke Substance Substance Serm. Ordination F. Asbury 14 (note) An Officer of the Church superior to the Presbyters. 1795 R. Cole Young Angler's Pocket Compan. ix. 35 By some it is thought that the live bait is far superior to any dead bait. 1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice I. xvi. 173 Mr. Wickham was as far beyond them all..as they were superior to the broad-faced stuffy uncle Phillips. 1830 J. F. W. Herschel Prelim. Disc. Study Nat. Philos. 4 He is led to the conception of a Power and an Intelligence superior to his own. 1857 C. Kingsley Two Years Ago II. i. 25 He seems so superior to the people round him. 1907 F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (ed. 2 reissued) I. 269 He was..superior in numbers to the enemy. 1948 Billboard 18 Sept. 115 (advt.) ‘Fiber-loid’ is far superior than wood in strength. 1966 R. Fisher in G. Lagos & S. H. Mendlovitz Disarmament & Econ. Developm. 585 The international position of Canada..is superior to that of Sweden. 2009 New Yorker 2 Mar. 32/2 Atkinson went so far as to claim that her brand of celibate ‘political lesbianism’ was morally superior to the sexually active version. b. Too great or strong to be overcome by; above yielding to or being influenced by; unaffected by. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > operation upon something > [adjective] > involving subjection to action or influence > able or liable to be affected > not superior1566 unsubject1583 unliable1590 insusceptible1603 uncapable1611 unexposeda1691 impassive1715 unsusceptible1734 insusceptive1752 waterproof1797 unsubjectable1829 immune1861 1566 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure I. xii. f. 29^v He laughed a good pace at him, who saied that he was superiour to loue. 1604 R. Parsons Relation Triall before King of France 15 His mind is superior to all wordly welth & promotion. 1648 Earl of Clarendon Full Answer to Declar. Commons 143 The conscience..[which] maketh Him superiour to their insolence, contempt and Tyranny. 1700 M. Prior Written in Robe's Geogr. 11 That I may Read, and Ride, and Plant, Superior to Desire, or Want. 1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 33 Jealousy of his Master's honour (to whom his Fidelity was Superior to any temptation). 1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest II. viii. 6 Adeline was superior to the affectation of fear. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. ii. 21 To that foible even she was not superior. 1863 M. Oliphant Salem Chapel I. ii. 36 So strangely superior to her surroundings, yet not despising or quarrelling with them. 1914 T. G. Roberts Wasp xx. 341 Superior to fatigue himself,..James sweated his men like a slave-driver. 1964 S. Sacks Fiction & Shape of Belief 187 The Stoic notion of the desirability of becoming superior to passion. 2005 P. Nicholson Love & Ethics Gower's Confessio Amantis i. 92 Capaneus and Narcissus, one of whom refuses to bow to God and the other of whom thinks himself superior to love. c. Science. Higher in physical level or position than another structure, formation, etc. ΚΠ 1666 R. Boyle Hydrostatical Paradoxes 124 The first part of our Paradox will hold, not only when the water, superior to the body it Presses upon, is free; but also when it is included in Vessels. 1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) 307 (caption) Another Epiploica superior to the precedent [L. Alia Epiploica præcedenti superior.]. 1787 T. Martyn tr. J.-J. Rousseau Lett. Elements Bot. (ed. 2) xv. 159 These and all others of this natural order have monopetalous corols, succeeded by one seed, to which they are superior. 1848 R. Harrison Text-bk. Pract. Anat. 430 The motor or smaller portion is at first superior to the sensitive. 1877 H. A. Nicholson Anc. Life-hist. Earth (1878) xvii. 259 Near Maestricht in Holland, there occurs a series of yellowish limestones, of about 100 feet in thickness, and undoubtedly superior to the White Chalk. 1907 tr. J. Sobotta Atlas & Text-bk. Human Anat. III. 198 It [sc. the ciliary ganglion] lies in the fatty tissue of the posterior portion of the orbit,..medial to the abducens, and a little superior to the inferior ramus of the oculomotor nerve. 1911 Monthly Notices Royal Astron. Soc. 71 453 If we regard the orbits from the point of view of mean distance form the Sun, they show a mode of transition..for bodies moving in orbits superior to the planet [sc. Jupiter] to bodies in orbits inferior to the planet. 2007 K. Roberts et al. Handbk. Plant Sci. I. 22/1 The ovary is superior to the rest of the [hypogynous] flower. d. Transcending, on a higher plane than. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [adjective] > on a higher plane superior1841 1841–8 F. Myers Catholic Thoughts II. iii. §7. 22 Human thought is always superiour to its expression. 1865 W. E. H. Lecky Hist. Rationalism II. 32 A bond of unity that is superior to the divisions of nationhood. 1920 H. J. Cadbury National Ideals in Old Test. 98 Jehovah seemed to them superior to national prejudices and partisanship. 1997 W. McBride in R. Martin & G. Sprenger Challenges to Law at End 20th Cent. c. 196 [The idea] that ‘the law’ is superior to claims about ‘rights’. B. n. 1. Feudal Law (chiefly Scots Law). A person granting tenure of a feudal fee to another (the vassal) on condition of the annual payment of a certain sum or the performance of certain services. Now historical.See also subject superior n. at subject adj. and adv. Compounds. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > tenure of property > one who has tenure > [noun] > (feudal) superior lordOE superior1472 lord of the manor1528 lord of the soil1594 1472 in W. Fraser Lennox (1874) II. 90 Quhen the said Erle Duncane dissesyt..the keping of the landys..came into the kingis handis as superior and cheyff lord. ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1876) VI. 11 When the superior dredethe not to oppresse his inferior. a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 76 Yf a man dye..levyng hys heyre wythin age, hys landys fal in to the handys of the sayd superyor & lord. 1561 Abst. Protocols Town Clerks Glasgow (1896) III. 3 David Bruce..resignit,..and ouregaif in the handis of Robert Callendar..his superior, all and haile ane pece of the Mayneis of B. 1567 Reg. Privy Council Scott. 1st Ser. I. 540 The giftis of wardis..falland..in oure said sonnis handis as superiour thairof. a1646 T. Hope Minor Practicks (1726) 69 If the king or any other superior give a letter of regress [etc.]..the user of the redemption is immediately seased, upon the sight of the regress. 1689 in Acts Parl. Scotl. (1875) XII. 74/1 The forfaultors of vassells and cre[dito]rs..who shall be innocent of þair superiors or debitors crymes. 1710 in Further Evid. Nairne Peerage (1874) 153 in Sessional Papers House of Lords (H.L. D) XII. 199 Our immediat lawfull superiors of the said lands. 1758 J. Dalrymple Ess. Hist. Feudal Prop. (ed. 2) 46 In the origin of the feudal law in Europe, the gift which the vassal on his entry gave to the superior, consisted of armour. 1882 Encycl. Brit. XIV. 264/1 Each owner who holds of the sovereign may grant a subordinate estate to be held of himself as ‘superior’ or lord. 1998 Stornoway Gaz. 31 Dec. 8/4 Will the SLC proposals eliminate the right of the feudal superior to obstruct the development of land and property by the abolition of the Scottish Feudal System in 1999? 2. gen. A person superior to another in status or office; one who is above others in social or official position; (now esp.) a higher-ranking officer, worker, or colleague. Frequently with possessive adjective.Also figurative in personifications. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > [noun] > person of > specific superior un-i-makeOE betterOE higherOE greaterc1350 priora1425 overerc1443 superior?a1475 superordinate1816 ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1871) III. 443 Appellacion awe to be hade from the inferior to þe superior [L. ad majorem]. 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. 37^v/2 Lyke as they were inobedyent to theyr superyor ryght soo theyr membres began to meue ayenst theyr superior. ?1504 W. Atkinson tr. Thomas à Kempis Ful Treat. Imytacyon Cryste (Pynson) iii. xiv. sig. J.i^v Lerne thou to obey gladlye to thy superior. 1565 T. Harding Confut. Apol. Church of Eng. bviii. f. 190 The Bishop of Rome..in spirituall causes can haue no superiour. 1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 170 The Archbishop thereof long time challenged the Primacie in the Italian Church, neuer acknowledging the Bishop of Rome for superiour. 1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (i. 1 Paraphr.) 5 The Rebukes and Censures of Superiours. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Vicount A Vicountess may have her Gown bore up by a Woman, out of the Presence of her Superiors. 1781 W. Cowper Charity 275 While conscience..Owns no superior but the God she fears. 1817 S. Parr Wks. (1828) VII. 257 In respectful conformity to the commands of my ecclesiastical superiors. 1844 G. R. Gleig Light Dragoon xxv Our superiors may think as they please,—but we, who fill up the ranks of the British army, know [etc.]. 1876 J. Grant Hist. Burgh Schools Scotl. ii. ii. 128 It is unpleasant for a teacher to be opposed to his patrons and superiors. 1950 S. J. Perelman Swiss Family Perelman vi. 103 Van Wuppertal feverishly bade the rest of the party wait and rushed me to his superior's office. 1997 P. Wilson Calm at Work (1998) 40 It may not be wise to walk out on a well-paying job because your immediate superior doesn't like you. 2008 Atlantic Monthly Jan. 52/2 Without the knowledge of his superiors, he effectively legalizes drugs in West Baltimore. 3. a. Christian Church. The head of a convent, monastery, or similar religious community, congregation, or institution. Also: the overall head of a religious order (in full superior general; less commonly general superior), or a branch within it. superior generalship: the office or role of a superior general. ΘΚΠ society > faith > church government > monasticism > religious superior > conventual head > [noun] presidentc1410 superior1496 sovereign1534 rector1601 Father Superior1612 society > faith > church government > monasticism > religious superior > [noun] ministerc1300 general1560 superior general1775 mandriarch1871 1496 J. Alcock Mons Perfeccionis (de Worde) sig. Cvi But & he be inobedyent vnto his superior thenne he is no monke but a deuyll. 1582 W. Allen Briefe Hist. Glorious Martyrdom sig. d3 So making his choise of the societie of the name of Jesvs, he went to Rome, where by the superior of that order he was admitted. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. xvii. 102 b A generall chapter or assembly, in which their Priour or Superiour is president. 1621 Eng. Protestants Plea for Eng. Preists & Papists 61 The supposed guiltines of M. Garnet, superior of the Iesuits here at that time. c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1644 (1955) II. 213 A Benedictine Monke, and Superior of his Order for the English Colledg of Doway. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) Minister, among the Jesuits, is the second Superior..of each house. 1775 in C. Butler Hist. Mem. Eng. Catholics (1821) IV. lxxv. §9. 353 The society of Jesus, of which I was superior-general. 1822 J. Lanigan Eccl. Hist. Irel. III. 60 The monastery of Hy, whose abbot was the general superior of the whole Columbian order. 1844 A. P. de Lisle in E. S. Purcell Life & Lett. A. P. de Lisle (1900) I. vii. 118 After dinner the Superior of the Passionist Monks called upon us. 1883 Encycl. Brit. XVI. 709/1 The founder in 1115 entrusted the superior-generalship of the whole institute to the abbess of the nuns. 1912 Catholic Encycl. XIII. 284/2 After holding the office of Superior General of the Xaverians for twenty-seven years. 2003 Church Times 7 Feb. 25/5 She was on the compound when dacoits broke in and murdered the Superior, Fr Macbeth. †b. gen. A governor, head, superintendent (without the notion of rank on a scale). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > authority > control > person in control > [noun] > superintendent architector1461 earl1483 overlookera1513 superior1554 superintender1573 superintendent1603 surintendent1645 epistates1651 intendant1652 referee1705 supercargo1713 surveillant1819 super1849 supe1908 1554 W. Prat tr. J. Boemus Discr. Aphrique v. sig. Gj^v There is gyuen to theym an other superior by the Cytizens. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. x. 90 Ouer these two kitchins..are set and ordained foure superiours. a1677 I. Barrow Of Industry (1693) 69 Is a man a Governour, or a Superiour in any capacity? then what is he, but a publick servant,..hired..to wait on his people. 1760 Mod. Part Universal Hist. XXIII. 396/1 King Phillip..appointed superiors, by the title of presidents, to see that ever thing was done with decency and order. 1779 H. Arnot Hist. Edinb. iv. 502 The town-council of Edinburgh are superiors of the Canongate, Portsborourgh, and Leith, they appoint certain of their own number bailies of these boroughs of barony. 4. A person, or (less commonly) a thing of higher or greater quality, character, value, etc., than another; one that is above or excels another in some respect. Often with genitive pronoun or of. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [noun] > better or superior person or thing betterOE unlikea1300 superior1537 overmatch1590 transcendent1613 go-by1823 outshiner1864 super-individual1911 1537 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour (new ed.) i. iii. f. 14 The superiours in condition or hauiour, shulde haue also preeminence in administration. 1598 I. D. tr. L. Le Roy Aristotles Politiques iii. vi. 153 Those only are to be accounted superiors, who are superiours in vertue. 1634 J. Ford Chron. Hist. Perkin Warbeck i. sig. B4^v I am confident Thou wilt proportion all thy thoughts to side Thy equalls, if not equall thy superiors. 1681 J. Scott Christian Life: Pt. I iii. 216 To honour those that are our Superiours whether in Place or Vertue. 1715 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad I. ii. 722 Dorion,..Superior once of all the tuneful Race. 1757 E. Burke Philos. Enq. Sublime & Beautiful iv. §24. 164 Their superiors in the politic and military virtues. 1808 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. iii, in Poems (ed. 2) 115 None his Superior and his Equals, few. 1835 C. Dickens Let. May (1965) I. 62 I am very little your superior in years: in no other respect can I lay claim to the title. 1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 231 No one is the superior of the invincible Socrates in argument. 1911 W. M. F. Petrie Revol. of Civilisation iii. 54 The period of art which is the rival, if not the superior, of the classical age. 2003 P. R. Watt & J. Green Alternative Sherlock Holmes v. 188 Philip Marlowe, judged as a detective, must rank as the equal—and, to many, the superior—of Holmes. 5. Astronomy. A superior planet: see sense A. 3a. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > planet > primary planet > superior planet > [noun] superior1587 1587 A. Fleming 3rd Table Chron. Eng. sig. F.iij/1, in A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III Planets superiors coniunction. 1679 J. Moxon Math. made Easie at Postventional Before or after any great Conjunction of the Superiors. 1844 Jrnl. Agric. Mar. 389 Ask whether they can retrace a period wherein the three superiors, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, have displayed so many magnificent interchanges? 1997 D. Ovason Secrets Nostradamus (2001) iii. 110 On May 1, 1525, both superiors, Saturn and Jupiter, were briefly in the same sign of Aries. †6. Mathematics. A number or symbol written above another. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > mathematical notation or symbol > [noun] > figure > in specific place or position place?a1400 superior1702 1702 V. Mandey tr. J. J. Hainlin Synopsis Mathematica: Theoret. Arithm. iv. 68 Subtract the Multiplied from its Superior [L. a superiori]. 7. Printing and Typography. A superior letter, figure, character, etc.: see sense A. 4. Cf. superscript n. 2. ΘΚΠ society > communication > printing > printed matter > printed character(s) > [noun] > small letter or figure above line superior1722 1722 S. Lowe Specimen Defects & Errors Dean Prat's Lat. Gram. 10/1 in Proposal for Perfecting Lat. Gram. We are refer'd..sometimes by superior letters..[and] sometimes by superiors in parenthesi. 1770 P. Luckombe Conc. Hist. Printing 258 Superiors of the smallest size are..inconvenient to the Reader. 1882 J. Southward Pract. Printing (1884) 17 For use in algebraic..works small letters are cast upon the upper part of the shank. These are called superiors. 1916 L. A. Legros & J. C. Grant Typogr. Printing-surfaces 127 The superiors are used for abbreviations, such as:—M^gr Monseigneur,..N^os Numeros, etc. 2007 W. W. Rice How to Prepare Defense-related Sci. & Techn. Rep. 58 Italic type should be used for all letter symbols representing numbers... This includes capital letters, lowercase letters, small capital letters, and superiors (superscripts). C. adv. 1. In the manner of a person who is (now usually affectedly) superior; with a superior air (cf. sense A. 9). colloquial (nonstandard) in later use. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [adverb] > in superior style superior1667 the mind > emotion > pride > haughtiness or disdainfulness > [adverb] dignelyc1374 hautainlyc1400 deignouslyc1440 disdaininglyc1485 royally?c1500 disdainouslya1513 haughtly1523 superciliously1528 disdainishly?1529 disdainfullya1533 disdainedly1535 lordlikea1555 squeamishly1571 haughtily1572 state1579 coy1581 lordly1589 overly1610 lordlily1611 condescendingly1653 on (also upon) the high ropes (also rope)1672 coyly1673 cavalierly1718 slightily1740 skeigh1792 patronizingly1834 Olympically1839 superiorly1844 Olympianly1871 superior1891 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 905 Hostile scorn, which he susteind Superior, nor of violence fear'd aught. View more context for this quotation 1716 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad II. v. 517 The Sire of Gods and Men superior smil'd [Gk. μείδησεν]. 1816 J. Austen Emma II. viii. 146 Jane Fairfax did look and move superior . View more context for this quotation 1891 S. Fiske Holiday Stories (Boston ed.) i. 11 I no longer smiled superior upon Paddy from Cork. 1921 M. F. H. B. Dowdall Three Loving Ladies ix. 106 It used not to be considered the thing..to encourage people who lived in poky houses and ‘talked superior’. 1945 Z. N. Hurston Let. 21 Aug. in Life in Lett. (2002) 527 They say that they would prefer me to a ‘Gringo’ who would come down, patronize them and act superior in other ways. 2010 G. Bolton Refl. Pract. (ed. 3) xiii. 226 If he was a cat he'd be a Siamese small eyes, and coming over all superior. †2. In physical sense: in or into a higher position; higher; upward. Chiefly poetic. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > high position > [adverb] > higher highereOE upwarda1300 upperc1384 uppermorec1400 superiorly1556 upwards1577 superior1718 the world > space > direction > specific directions > [adjective] > having upward direction > to a higher position upper1607 superior1718 1718 M. Prior Henry & Emma 113 When Superior now the Bird has flown, And headlong brought the tumbling Quarry down. 1718 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad IV. xiii. 41 He sits superior, and the Chariot flies. 1785 T. Dwight Conquest of Canäan iii. 76 We, fair freedom's sons, superior fly To peace, and transport, in a kinder sky. 1807 J. Barlow Columbiad vi. 221 Tall on the boldest bark superior shone A warrior ensign'd with a various crown. 3. With to. †a. In a superior way or manner, to a superior or greater degree. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being better or superior > [adverb] betOE beforeOE bettera1200 toforec1440 higherc1500 superiorlya1643 superior1762 1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World I. 217 It is to this ductility of the laws that an Englishman owes the freedom he enjoys superior to others. 1785 G. A. Bellamy Apol. Life (ed. 3) I. 45 I loved his Lordship superior to the whole world. b. Above, or as though above, the effect, influence, or reach of something. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > operation upon something > [adverb] > above the influence or reach of superior1804 1804 ‘E. de Acton’ Tale without Title II. 100 If there are any who wish to act superior to that last-mentioned very useful endowment. 1882 A. W. Ward Dickens iii. 69 The Daily News was to rise superior to the opportunism..of the Times. 1920 Railway Rev. 66 223 The Kansas spirit, which he so well represents, rose superior to threats. Compounds superior conjunction n. Astronomy a conjunction in which an inferior planet (Mercury or Venus) is aligned with the sun when on the far side of its orbit as seen from the earth; (also) the conjunction of a satellite with its primary when on the far side of its orbit.In quot. 1550 the sense is either ‘greater (more important) conjunctions’ or perhaps ‘conjunctions of the superior planets’. ΚΠ 1550 T. Phaer tr. J. Goeurot Regiment of Life (rev. ed.) sig. M.vii That influence hath more dominacion, then haue all the other influences of the hole yere beside, excepte the superiour coniuncions of the planetes, or els some greate eclyps.] 1717 Philos. Trans. 1714–16 (Royal Soc.) 29 468 The whole Disk of a Planet at that distance from the Sun would be the Maximum, viz. when in its superior Conjunction with the Sun. 1833 J. F. W. Herschel Astronomy viii. 253 The superior conjunction will happen when the earth arrives at D, and the planet at d in the same line prolonged on the other side of the sun. 1925 Publ. Astron. Soc. Pacific 37 206 The twelve maximum ellipticities that we have observed..occur in the following longitudes, counting from superior conjunction with the planet as zero degrees. 2003 UFO Mag. Sept. 74/2 Venus is still on the far side of the Sun having passed through superior conjunction last month. superior maxilla n. (also †maxilla superior) [after post-classical Latin maxilla superior (1545 or earlier)] Anatomy the upper jawbone; the maxilla (as opposed to the mandible). ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > structural parts > bone or bones > skull > parts of skull > [noun] > jawbones > upper cheekOE maxilla?a1425 superior maxilla1697 maxillary1826 upper1878 1565 J. Hall Anat. Thirde Treat. vi. i. 89 in tr. Lanfranc Most Excellent Woorke Chirurg. The iawes are called Maxillæ, as the vpper iawe Maxilla superior, and the nather iawe Maxilla inferior.] 1697 R. Baker Cursus Osteologicus 44 It's thin, arising a little from the outside of the Sinus Glenoides, and meeting with another long Process belonging to the first Bone of the Maxilla superior. 1725 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum (ed. 4) I. at Maxilla superior And Vesalius reckons the Two Ossa Spongiosa among these Bones of the Superior Maxilla. 1897 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. III. 150 A simple superior maxilla is sometimes alone affected by hyperostosis. 2007 Pain 132 213/1 The [right trigeminal] nerve was traced to its most proximal segment just as it entered the superior maxilla. superior mediastinum n. [after post-classical Latin mediastinum superius (1746 or earlier)] Anatomy the upper part of the mediastinum; the part of the mediastinum above the heart; spec. the part of the mediastinum extending downwards from the thoracic inlet to a plane passing between the manubrium of the sternum and the fourth thoracic vertebra. ΚΠ 1802 D. P. Blaine Outl. Vet. Art II. 133 They [sc. the pleurae] then separate to pass over the heart and pericardium, from whence they are reflected over the lungs, when on their return, again uniting, they form the superior mediastinum. 1869 J. Struthers in Jrnl. Anat. & Physiol. 3 351 I have, therefore, been in the habit of giving a distinct name to this region—the ‘superior mediastinum’... I define it as bounded behind by the three upper dorsal vertebræ, in front by the manubrium sterni, on each side by the uninterrupted pleura; as reaching above to the superior aperture of the thorax, below to the top of the aortic arch. 1959 Dis. Chest 36 343 (title) Mediastinoscopy: a method for inspection and tissue biopsy in the superior mediastinum. 2009 P. A. Iaizzo et al. Handbk. Cardiac Anat., Physiol. & Devices iv. 33/2 The superior mediastinum contains the major vessels supplying the upper extremity, the neck, and the head. superior meridian n. [after French méridien supérieur (1796 in the passage translated in quot. 1809)] Astronomy †(a) (in relation to the motion of the sun and moon) that part of the celestial meridian which is above the horizon, or above the celestial equator; the upper meridian (obsolete); (b) (in relation to the motion of circumpolar stars) that part of the celestial meridian which extends from the celestial pole and passes through the zenith (now rare). ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > star > stellar motion > [noun] > highest point meridian1729 superior meridian1809 the world > the universe > celestial sphere > circle of celestial sphere > [noun] > great circle > hour circle > meridian > superior superior meridian1809 1809 J. Pond tr. P. S. Laplace Syst. World I. i. xiii. 167 The ocean rises and falls twice in every interval of time comprehended between two consecutive returns of the Moon to the superior meridian [Fr. méridien supérieur]. 1827 J. Farrar Elem. Treat. Astron. 28 The time of transit of any one star over the superior meridian..is exactly intermediate between the times when the star is at the same height above the horizon on each side. 1864 Proc. Royal Soc. 13 331 Those waves are not of equal magnitude, the barometer being uniformly higher when the moon is on the inferior meridian, and its attraction is therefore exerted in the same direction as the earth's, than when it is on the superior meridian. 2000 N. Audard-Sword tr. H. Buriller Celestial Sites, Celestial Splendors 158/2 From α Ursae Majoris and λ Draconis, extend an isosceles triangle to the west (at the passage at the superior meridian): the pair of galaxies M81 and M82 will appear. superior planet n. Astronomy a planet whose orbit lies outside that of the earth (originally, in Ptolemaic astronomy, having its sphere above that of the sun). ΘΚΠ the world > the universe > planet > [noun] superior planet1577 better star1600 planet1640 planetary1819 exoplanet1992 1577Superior Planets [see sense A. 3a]. 1583 R. Harvey (title) An Astrological Discourse vpon the great and notable Coniunction of the two superiour Planets, Satvrne & Ivpiter. 1690 W. Leybourn Cursus mathematicus f. 751 The Motion of the Superiour Planets. 1702 R. Morden Introd. Astron. i. 4 The Superior Planets only, encompass the Earth with their Circles. 1786 J. Bonnycastle Introd. Astron. 429 Superior Planets, are those which move at a farther distance from the sun than the earth, and are Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the Georgium Sidus. 1814 J. Playfair Outl. Nat. Philos. II. i. ix. 169 The same [probability] is increased in a quadruplicate ratio, from considering the phenomena of all these four superior planets. 1892 Ohio Statesman 3 May The superior planets..making their regular periodicals around the sun in their regular periods. 1954 C. Payne-Gaposchkin Introd. Astron. (1956) vii. 150 Only superior planets can reach quadrature. 2001 P. Moore 2002 Yearbk. Astron. i. 70 The superior planets are morning objects after conjunction with the Sun, rising earlier each day until they come to opposition. superior slope n. Fortification now historical the inclined upper surface of the parapet. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > earthwork or rampart > [noun] > parapet > parts of or connected with talus1645 superior slope1686 bonnet1688 brisure1706 genouillere1802 crémaillère1828 crest1830 plonge1853 plunge1859 apron1918 1686 R. Blome Gentlemans Recreation i. 172 NO, is the Superior Slope, or Glassis of the Parapet, on which the Besieged lay their Musquets when they Fire towards the Compaign. 1723 E. Stone tr. N. Bion Constr. & Principal Uses Math. Instruments iv. viii. 122 The superior slope of the Glacis A N, ought to be made of fine Earth. 1842 R. Burn Naval & Mil. Techn. Dict. French Lang. Plougée..du parapet, superior slope or talus of the parapet towards the country. 2010 J.-D. Lepage Vauban & French Mil. under Louis XIV 88 The superior slope of the parapet, the so-called plongée, was limited on the outside by the external crest and on the inside by the firing crest. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < adj.n.adv.a1393
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