undern.
/ˈʌndə/, U.S. /ˈəndər/ rare.
1.
a. A state of lowness or inferiority. In to be at a great under. Now dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [noun]
poornessa1382
povertya1387
bada1425
lessness?a1425
worsenessa1425
nethertyc1443
minority1533
badness1539
lesserness1540
evilness1547
meanness1556
punyship1581
inferiority1599
under1600
worserness1602
inferiorness1674
deteriority1692
baddishness1824
shoddiness1886
crumbiness1949
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xxii. lxi. 471 They were unwilling..that Anniball (who as the voyce went, was at a very great under for money) should be inriched thereby.
1869 J. C. Atkinson Peacock's Gloss. Dial. Hundred of Lonsdale 89/2 To be at a girt under, to be in a state of thraldom, subdued.
b. dialect. An undervalue.
ΚΠ
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2) (at cited word)
2. plural. Underclothes, underwear.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > underwear > [noun]
linenc1330
napery1598
small clothes1625
linings1631
unders1731
underdress1788
unmentionable1791
unexpressible1810
underclothes1824
underclothing1835
unmentionabilities1840
underthings1864
underwear1872
under-gear1883
innerwear1904
scanty1928
smalls1934
long john1941
skivvy1945
1731 H. Fielding Letter-writers ii. ii. 22 He'll make us pop [= pawn] our Unders for the Reckoning: We'll not go with him.
1905 E. Nesbit Story of Amulet vii Let's..get into flannels. We can't go in our unders.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
underadj.
/ˈʌndə/, U.S. /ˈəndər/ 1. Having a lower or underlying place or position; lying beneath or at a lower level:
a. Of places, their contents or inhabitants.
ΚΠ
a1300 Cursor Mundi 541 Þe ouer fir gis man his sight, Þat ouer air of hering might; Þis vnder wynd him gis his aand.
1597 T. Beard Theatre Gods Iudgements ii. i. 207 He first remooued his lodging..to a base vnder roome.
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads xix. 2 The Morne arose, and..Gaue light to all, As well to gods, as men of th' vnder globe.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. ii. 49 The Sunne had imparted his brightnesse to our vnder neighbours.
1874 A. C. Swinburne Bothwell iv. i For look where yonder..Comes up to usward from the under field One with a flag of message.
1897 Daily News 15 Oct. 5/2 He took to the water, disappeared, leaving it on the low under bank of the stream.
b. Of things (esp. one of a pair).
ΚΠ
1648 Bp. J. Wilkins Math. Magick i. vii. 47 As one of these under Pulleys doth abate halfe of that heavinesse which the weight hath in it self, and cause the power to be in a sub-duple proportion unto it, so two of them doe abate halfe of that which remains, and cause a subquadruple proportion betwixt the weight and the power; three of them a subsextuple, four a sub~octuple.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. vii. iii. 7 The Wyre at the under end at D.
1704 Dict. Rusticum at Cart The Sloats, are the under-pieces which keep the bottom of the Cart together.
1723 E. Chambers tr. S. Le Clerc Treat. Archit. I. 89 The upper Order must always be less Massive than the under.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth II. 91 Those [adults] whose upper and under row of teeth are equally prominent.
1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts 765 The upper stopcock is closed, and the under is opened to run off the liquor.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 81 At this he turn'd all red.., Now gnaw'd his under, now his upper lip.
2.
a. Lying under (so as to be covered).
ΚΠ
1547 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 12 Twoo vnder ffrockes without sleves.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Esdras xii. 19 The eight small vnder feathers sticking to her wings. View more context for this quotation
1611 J. Florio Queen Anna's New World of Words Sottocoperta, an vnder couerlet.
1872 Earl of Pembroke & G. H. Kingsley South Sea Bubbles i. 29 Every kind of sail being hoisted, from new white canvas to the under garments of the lady passengers.
b. Facing downwards.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surface > [adjective] > forming the under surface
under1728
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Subscapularis Spreading itself under the whole Convex, or Under-side of it.
1731 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. I. at Leaves The upper and under Surfaces of the two Leaves.
1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts 999 The under face of the licker-up is made rough like a rasp.
1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 267 This lever is sunk into the under surface of D.
c. Of sound: Low, subdued.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > [adjective]
smalleOE
stillc1000
softc1230
dim1398
lowc1400
obscure?a1450
basea1500
remiss1530
indistinct1589
demiss1646
faint1660
murmurant1669
faintish1712
slender1785
under1806
unclamorous1849
1806 ‘P. Pindar’ Tristia 127 Tones in the minor key, so sweet—so under.
1834 W. Wordsworth Lines Album of C'tess Lonsdale 33 Those self-solacing, those under, notes Trilled by the redbreast.
3. Inferior, subordinate; of lower rank or position.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [adjective]
evil971
lowc1175
poor?c1225
feeblec1275
vilea1300
petty1372
unthende1377
secondary1386
petitc1390
unmeeta1393
illa1400
commonc1400
coarse1424
indigent1426
unlikelyc1450
lesser1464
gross1474
naughty1526
inferior1531
reprobate?1545
slender1577
unlikely1578
puny1579
under1580
wooden1592
sordid1596
puisne1598
provant1601
subministrant1604
inferious1607
sublunary1624
indifferent1638
undermatched1642
unworthy1646
underly1648
turncoated1650
female1652
undergraduate1655
farandinical1675
baddishc1736
ungenerous1745
understrapping1762
tinnified1794
demi-semi1805
shabby1805
dicky1819
poor white1821
tin-pot1838
deterior1848
substandard1850
crumby1859
cheesy1863
po'1866
not-quite1867
rocky1873
mouldy1876
low-grade1878
sketchy1878
midget1879
junky1880
ullaged1892
abysmal1904
bodgie1905
junk1908
crap1936
ropy1941
bodger1945
two-star1951
tripey1955
manky1958
schlocky1960
cack1978
wank1991
bowf1994
1580 R. Parsons Brief Disc. 41 b For that they haue not receaued the vnder Orders, which they should haue done before Preisthoode.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Soubzacazement, a dead Fief, rent secke, mesne, or vnder rent.
1693 Humours & Conversat. Town 86 The under classes of them, Attorneys, Sollicitors, and Pettifoggers.
1713 A. Pope in Guardian 10 June For the Under-Characters, gather them from Homer and Virgil, and Change the Names as Occasion serves.
1823 P. Egan Grose's Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue (rev. ed.) Under dubber, a turnkey.
1890 R. C. Lehmann Harry Fludyer 33 The poor dear servants..going in batches to the pantomime—at least, the under ones.
4. Below the proper standard, amount, etc.; defective, insufficient.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > insufficiency > [adjective]
insuffisant1387
unsufficient1398
over-little?a1400
unsuffisantc1400
unthankful1491
insufficienta1513
wanec1540
incompetent1611
under1673
1673 in O. Airy Essex Papers (1890) I. 103 Getting a long Lease of it at an under rent from ye Citty.
1710 S. Palmer Moral Ess. Prov. 294 Men..rarely fail of over-measure in the return of an injury, and under in the acknowledgment of a kindness.
1740 H. Bracken Farriery Improv'd (ed. 2) II. 258 'Tis best to begin rather with an under than over Dose.
1817 M. Keating Trav. I. 9 Flat tracts of hungry pasture ground in under proportion to the tillage.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† underv.
Obsolete. rare.
transitive. To cast down, depress.
ΚΠ
?1504 W. Atkinson tr. Thomas à Kempis Ful Treat. Imytacyon Cryste (Pynson) iii. xxxviii. 227 As longe as the symple entent of his soule amonge all suche varyacyons is nat vndered, but dyrecte to me contynually.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
underadv.
/ˈʌndə/, U.S. /ˈəndər/ 1.
a. Below, down below, beneath.
ΚΠ
a900 Old Eng. Martyrol. 5 May 76 Se dæl þære ciricean..þær þæs hælendes fotlastas sindon under.
OE Beowulf 1416 Wæter under stod dreorig ond gedrefed.
OE Beowulf 2213 Stig under læg eldum uncuð.
c1000 Ælfric Lives Saints iv. 393 He..het þa..fyr under betan.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3188 Moyses it folwede ðider it flet, And stod ðor ðe graue under let.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 173 And under al aboute he seth The faire lusti floures springe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 377 He wroght..þe sky..wid watir schinand als cristall, þat es on hey, þat es vnder.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) iv. 12 Men may see þare þe erthe of þe toumbe..stirre and moue, as þer ware a qwikke thing vnder.
1422 J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. 241 Yf the lyght mettis vndyr be, whan hit is defiet.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Gen. xlix. D Helped..wt blessynges of heauen from aboue, with blessinges of ye depe yt lyeth vnder.
1591 E. Spenser Visions of Worlds Vanitie in Complaints 65 A sword-fish..in his throat him pricking softly vnder.
1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 124 Storme and Thunder Would sit under, And keepe silence round about Thee.
1820 P. B. Shelley Cloud in Prometheus Unbound 196 I wield the flail of the lashing hail, And whiten the green plains under.
1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 48 At anes the bells baith up and under Begoud to rattle on like thunder.
b. With verbs expressing or implying movement. †to look under, to look down (to look under 2 at look v. Phrasal verbs 1).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > [adverb] > under (of movement)
undera1120
a1120 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1083 Þa wreccan munecas lagon onbuton þam weofode & sume crupon under.
1539 Bible (Great) 1 Kings xviii. 23 Let them.. laye hym on wodd, and put no fyre vnder.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 1297 Þen the Troiens..Gird euyn to the Grekes with a grym fare,..Wondit of þe wightist, warpide hom vnder.
1608 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. (new ed.) ii. iv. 109 Like as a Roach, or Ruff, or Gudgeon..Frisks too and fro, aloft and vnder dyves.
1819 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto I cliii. 79 There is the closet, there the toilet, there The anti-chamber—search them under, over.
1846 A. Soyer Gastron. Regenerator 176 Saw the rib bones asunder in the middle; pass your knife under.
2. In special senses:
a. Beneath the rider.
ΚΠ
c1100 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (MS. D) ann. 1079 His hors wearð under of-scoten.
b. Lower down on a page, etc.Chiefly in combinations, as under-mentioned, under-named, under-specified; cf. also hereunder adv. to seal under: see to seal under at seal v.1 4a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [adverb] > below or hereafter (in a later part of a book, etc.)
hereafterc900
aftereOE
innermorea1387
under1389
underneath1389
hereunder1425
below1645
beneath1668
post1688
infra1740
overleaf1742
therein after1818
over1893
1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 22 Deuouteliche we begynnen þis fraternite by þes ordynaunces vnderwriten.
1474 Cov. Leet Bk. 390 These ben the names vnder folowyng of the Collectours.
a1796 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 220 This list..I wrote it, Day an' date as under notit.
1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 257 I have designed a slide as under.
c. Below the garments; on the inner side of a garment.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > underwear > [adverb]
underneathc1386
underc1400
c1400 Brut clxxviii. 199 He..smote him wyþ a knyf; but þe false traitoure was armed vnder, so þat þe stroke myght done him none harme.
1457 Sc. Acts Jas. II c. 13 Þat na woman weir..talys of vnsittande lenthe nor furryt vnder bot on þe haliday.
d. Of the sun, etc.: Below the horizon; set.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > heavenly body > movement of heavenly bodies > [adverb] > set
downc1330
under1490
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xiv. 346 Whan reynawd sawe all redy that ye sonne was goon vndre, & that the nyght cam fast on.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) i. 46 Nyghe was the sonne vnder, and it was well aboute complyn tyme.
1609 J. Skene tr. Regiam Majestatem 104 He may cast the Proces, saying, that..it was made vnlawfullie vnder Sunne.
1850 R. Gordon-Cumming Five Years Hunter's Life S. Afr. I. xvi. 382 The sun was under before I laid him low.
1850 R. Gordon-Cumming Five Years Hunter's Life S. Afr. II. xxii. 127 The moon was now under and it was very dark.
1859 G. Meredith Ordeal Richard Feverel III. iii. 81 The sun was under.
e. Under water; submerged.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > condition of being or making wet > condition of being submerged or action of submerging > [adverb]
afloat1591
sub-aqua1830
under1830
1830 F. Marryat King's Own III. xiii. 225 She rolled gunnel under.
1833 M. Scott Tom Cringle's Log II. i. 2 We continued to roll gunwale under, dipping the main-yardarm into the water every now and then.
1873 G. C. Davies Mountain, Meadow & Mere xvi. 141 She shot across gunwale under.
1890 Cent. Dict. at Rail The vessel sailed rail under.
f. down under: see down under adv., n., and adj.
3.
a. Into a position or state of subjection or submission. (See also to bring under at bring v. Phrasal verbs 1, to get under at get v. Phrasal verbs 1.)
ΚΠ
a1300 K. Horne (Cambr.) 1420 To schupe we mote draȝe; Fikenhild me haþ i-don vnder.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 4041 Of ðe sal risen..a wond ðe sal smiten rigt Moab kinges, and under-don Al sedes kin ðis werld up-on.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 5 Love, which doth many a wonder And many a wys man hath put under.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 117 I that lawe obeie Of which the kinges ben put under.
1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1845) vi. 26 It is alwaye at mannes pleasaunce To take the good and caste the evyll under.
1567 J. Maplet Greene Forest f. 1 Wherefore the Greekes call it Fickleforce, for that it can not be brought under.
a1649 W. Drummond Wks. (1711) 214 We are not brought to such a Nonplus, and so under,..but that we dare both say and maintain, They proceed unjustly with us.
1723 Lockhart Papers (1817) II. 112 Both the contending partys did desire to promote unity and peace, provyded their opponents would knock under.
1791 Ann. Reg., Chron. 4* The fire was got under.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xxix. 149 I've begun now to bring them under.
1882 M. E. Braddon Mt. Royal II. iv. 63 They must all knuckle under to him.
b. In subjection or submission; in a subordinate or inferior position.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > [adverb] > in subjection
underhanda1000
underfootc1175
undera1400
under hatchesc1400
at underc1425
subordinate1617
a1400 K. Alis. (Laud) 3054 For no power, ne for no wonder, Ȝitt ne weren we neuer vnder.
c1460 Oseney Reg. 19 Know he hym-selfe gilty,..And be he vndur to þe streyte veniaunce in þe last dome.
1463 G. Ashby Prisoner's Refl. 292 The ryche slepeth, the pore laboreth vnder.
c1500 Lyfe Roberte Deuyll 341 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. (1864) I. 232 Nowe the people dyd wonder To se that all knyghtes to hym wer vnder.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 330 Why should we then be so kept vnder lyke beastes and slaues?
1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence Andria i. i, in Terence in Eng. 9 How couldst thou know his nature,..whilst..awe, and his master kept him vnder.
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Cor. ix. 27 But I keepe vnder my body, and bring it into subiection. View more context for this quotation
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 54 The new stemme of Kingly power..sucked much from them, and kept them under.
1687 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) IV. 559 The King keeping them under by an Army of above 40000 men.
c. to go under: see to go under 3a at go v. Phrasal verbs 1.
d. In a state of unconsciousness; below the level of consciousness; spec. under anaesthetic, in a trance. Also, under the influence of alcohol. colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [adverb]
asleep1154
slumberingly1647
off1852
undera1936
the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > excess in drinking > [adverb] > on the way to being drunk
on1802
undera1936
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > anaesthetization, pain-killing, etc. > [adverb] > anaesthetically > anaesthetized
undera1936
a1936 ‘G. Orwell’ Shooting Elephant (1950) 28 Doctors..thinking it funny to start operating before you were properly ‘under’.
1946 K. Tennant Lost Haven (1947) xix. 332 Well, one night when I was down at the pub, this cove..is beside me and he's well under.
1960 M. Spark Bachelors vii. 98 He attempted to question me while I was under the other night.
1979 D. Anthony Long Hard Cure xxvii. 207 I..stretched out on my bed, and let the music take me under.
4. With prepositions.† a. at under, in an inferior place or position; in subjection. Scottish. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > [adverb] > in subjection
underhanda1000
underfootc1175
undera1400
under hatchesc1400
at underc1425
subordinate1617
c1425 Wyntoun Cron. v. x. 2396 Dycius..held þaim euer at vnder ay.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 34 Sum men wenis tobe at outhe & abune, yat is at vnder.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) vii. 365 For he ves put at vndir swa, That he ves left all hym allane.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 133 He hes att werslingis bein ane hunder, Ȝet lay his body neuer at wnder.
1573 J. Tyrie in Catholic Tractates (S.T.S.) 3 Sufficient to put at vnder the euill foundet fortres my aduersar hes builded.
1652 T. Urquhart Εκσκυβαλαυρον 197 The cruelty of whose perverse zeal, will keep the effects of his vertue still at under.
1677 R. Gilpin Dæmonol. Sacra ii. ii. 196 They kept them at under, (as Captives in a Dungeon).
b. from under, from below.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > specific directions > [phrase] > in upward direction > from below
from under1535
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Amos ii. B I destroyed his frute from aboue, and his rote from vnder [frō (from) in text].
1611 Bible (King James) Ezek. xlvii. 1 The waters came downe from vnder from the right side of the house. View more context for this quotation
c. to get out (stand, etc.) from under, to escape or get away from a dangerous or awkward situation. colloquial (originally U.S.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > escape > [verb (intransitive)] > escape from threat
swip?c1225
startc1330
to miss of ——a1665
to get out (stand, etc.) from under1861
1857 Chicago Times 6 Oct. To enable me to stand from under the present crash, I shall offer my entire stock for the next 30 days at a great sacrifice.]
1861 Cincinnati (Ohio) Commercial 24 Apr. (heading) Stand from under.
1875 Scribner's Monthly Nov. 124/2 The system is rotten..and, if the nation cares for its life, the quicker it gets ‘out from under’ the better.
1876 ‘M. Twain’ Punch, Brothers, Punch! (1878) ii. 16 You make up your mind that the earthquake is due; you stand from under, and take hold of something to steady yourself.
1891 ‘L. Malet’ Wages of Sin iv. i Let those that love not discourses stand from under!
1916 Literary Digest 8 Jan. 88/2 The next to ‘get from under’.
1916 ‘Taffrail’ Pincher Martin iii. 35 Shouts of ‘stand from under!’ and empty bags came from the deck above.
1938 New Statesman 20 Aug. 298/2 The extension of anti-Semitic persecution in the business field [in Germany] has probably led to a certain amount of ‘getting out from under’ sales by Jews.
1951 H. McCloy Alias Basil Willing xiv. 178 I'll get out from under by going to the police myself before anyone else.
1966 ‘H. Calvin’ Italian Gadget ix. 143 Maybe you'll come some day... If I ever get from under Count Capucci.
1974 ‘J. Ross’ Burning of Billy Toober xvi. 157 I'll buy you a dinner when I get out from under.
5. Less in amount, etc.; lower in price.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adverb] > less than a quantity or amount
withina1400
thereunder1535
under1574
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > low price or rate > [adverb] > at lower price
under1574
1574 W. Bourne Regim. for Sea (1577) ii. 9 b The Epacte sheweth the age of the Moone or chaunge day, within 12 houres under or over.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iv. 137 The price of a virgin was too deare for him,..and widdows were farre vnder.
6. under and over, a gambling game with dice.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > dice-playing > [noun] > other dice games
rafflec1405
passagec1425
treygobet1426
mumchance1528
trey-trip1564
lots?1577
novum?1577
fox-mine-host1622
in and in1630
merry main1664
snake1688
pass-dice1753
chicken hazard1781
Shaking in the Shallow1795
sequin hazard1825
chuck-a-luck1836
Newmarket1837
chicken1849
poker dice1870
under and over1890
sweat1894
crown and anchor1902
Murrumbidgee1917
beetle1936
liar dice1946
Yahtzee1957
1890 Evening Chron. (Newcastle) 26 Dec. 3/1 Fined..on a charge of playing ‘under and over’ with the dice and box.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
underprep.
/ˈʌndə/, U.S. /ˈəndər/ I. In senses denoting position beneath or below something, so as to have it above or overhead, or to be covered by it.
1. With reference to:† b. The Deity as dwelling in heaven. Obsolete.
a. The heavens or heavenly bodies. (See also heaven n. 1, sun n.1 Phrases 1a, cope n.1 7, canopy n. 2b.)
ΚΠ
OE Cynewulf Elene 13 Æðelinges weox rice under roderum.
OE Beowulf 8 He..weox under wolcnum.
OE Beowulf 52 Hæleð under heofenum.
c1000 Ælfric Genesis i. 7 Þa wæteru þe wæron under þære fæstnisse.
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 151 Ure drihten him solf..seide þet under houene ne [wes] nan his ilike.
a1250 Owl & Night. 912 Þar beoþ men þat litel kunne of songe þat is vnder sunne.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 56 Þar Rome nou on stondeð. fele ȝer under sunnan nas ȝet Rome bi-wonnen.
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 57 To alle crystyn men vndir sunne.
1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 219 We weren tauht..Þat non haþel vndur heuene so holi is founde.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Eccles. i. 10 No thing vnder the sunne newe.
a1400–50 Alexander 247 Þare enhabetis in þat erd..Þe wisest wees in þis werd þe welken vndire.
a1400–50 Wars Alex. 4300 Na supowell vndire son seke we vs neuire.
?1465 A. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 43 Þe blyssyng of all seyntes vndir heven.
1508 W. Dunbar Ballade Barnard Stewart in Poems (1998) I. 178 Moste aunterus and able Wndir the soun that beris helme or scheild.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 3873 Was neuer kyng vnder cloude his knightes more louet.
a1542 T. Wyatt Coll. Poems (1969) 49 Thinck not alone vnder the sonne Vnquyt to cause thy lovers plain.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde i. vii. f. 35v That lyttle sleepe that they had, was..abrode vnder the firmamente.
1609 Bible (Douay) I. Deut. xxix. 20 Our Lord abolish his name vnder heauen.
a1625 J. Fletcher Humorous Lieut. i. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Qqq2v/1 There fights no braver souldier under Sun, gentlemen.
1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients 123 Their worke remaineth in the finest place under the Sunne.
1644 J. Milton Of Educ. 7 They are by a sudden..watch word, to be call'd out to their military motions, under skie or covert, according to the season.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 6. ⁋1 I know no Evil under the Sun so great.
1712 G. Berkeley Passive Obed. §1. 2 In every Kingdom or Society of Men under Heaven.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xiv. 141 The greatest rascal under the canopy of heaven.
1821 W. Wordsworth Three Cottage Girls 56 Gay vision under sullen skies!
a1862 H. D. Thoreau Yankee in Canada (1866) ii. 22 What under the sun they were placed there for..was not apparent.
1885 Manch. Examiner 29 June 5/3 They rush off immediately..and bathe under a hot and broiling sun.
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c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 13963 Neoðeles heo auered weoren..þat nusten heo under [c1300 Otho onder] Criste nenne ræd godne.
c1320 Cast. Love 225 Þat vche þing vnder heuene-driht So muche les of strengþe and miht.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 11776 There is no greuaunce so grete vndur god one, As the glemyng of gold.
c. Special parts of the heavens, esp. as indicating terrestrial locality.
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c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) i. §21. 13 Whan the planetes ben vnder thilke signes, þei causen vs..effectes lik to the operaciouns of bestes.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) 81 Men of Inde..passe noȝt comounly oute of þaire awen land, for þai dwell vnder a planett þat es called Saturnus.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1874) V. 261 Alle the grownde that lyethe over the occean..under the northe pole.
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 31 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 96 Vnder ye Cerkill solar yir sauorus seidis War nurist be dame natur.
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 82 There be some that suppose..Paradise to be situated vnder th' Equinoctiall.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. iii. sig. Dd7 The learned Merlin, well could tell, Vnder what coast of heauen the man did dwell.
1611 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdoms World (new ed.) 437 Authours affirme, that vnder the very pole lyeth a black and high rocke.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 186 This day we were vnder nine degrees fifteene minutes North.
1679 J. Moxon Math. made Easie 162 Under the Sun Beams.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Current Under the Equator, where the Motion of the Earth is the greatest.
1783 J. O. Justamond tr. G. T. F. Raynal Philos. Hist. Europeans in Indies (new ed.) I. 3 A man living under the equator or under the pole.
d. The stars as having influence on persons.
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1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. I4 Whether all the host of Pharao were borne vnder one, and the same starre, and planet.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. ii. sig. N8 Ah lucklesse babe, borne vnder cruell starre.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) i. ii. 141 The fault (deere Brutus) is not in our Starres, But in our Selues, that we are vnderlings. View more context for this quotation
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 525 Great applications were made to the Duke for saving his life: But he was not born under a pardoning planet.
1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. ii. 49 This..youth hath his destiny under the same constellation with mine.
1837 M. M. Sherwood Henry Milner iii. ix. 176 One of us poor creatures who are born under a three-halfpenny planet.
2. With reference to the surface of the earth or water. (Cf. underground adv.)In early use without the before the noun.
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OE Cynewulf Elene 218 His modor het feran foldwege folca þreate to Iudeum, georne secan wigena þreate hwær se wuldres beam, halig under hrusan, hyded wære.
OE Beowulf 1656 Ic þæt unsofte ealdre gedigde, wigge under wætere.
OE Beowulf 2415 Goldmaðmas heold eald under eorðan.
a1300 Cursor Mundi 1079 Þe bodi moght he nan-gat hide, For vnder erth most it not rest.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Bodl.) vi. ii He is iputte aside and iberied vndur þe erthe.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 2062 He did hire kepe vndere þe erth [a1450 Lamb. Vnder erthe] in a celere depe.
c1400 Gamelyn 68 A-none as he was dede and vnder gras grave.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 22 But nowe they may not be perceyued for they ar hidde vnther the erthe.
?c1510 tr. Newe Landes & People founde by Kynge of Portyngale sig. Aiv There dwellynge is vnder the erthe.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 328/1 Under the grounde, soubzterraine.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde iii. i. f. 94v They had certeyne dyuers or fysshers exercised..in swymmynge vnder the water.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 408 Anon it is swallowed up within a hole under the ground.
1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 4 The first Stratum immediately under the Turff, a yellowish Clay.
1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Iliad in Iliad & Odyssey I. iii. 339 Who under earth on human kind avenge Severe, the guilt of violated oaths.
1804 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. IV. 532 In cases of copyholds, a lord may have a right under the soil of the copyholder.
1876 R. M. Ballantyne (title) Under the waves; or, Diving in deep waters.
3. figurative.1711 Spectator No. 67. ⁋5 I love to shelter my self under the Examples of Great Men.
a. With words denoting natural or artificial structures or means of shelter; frequently = beneath the cover or shelter of.See also glass n.1 3b, hatch n.1 5, Phrases 1, roof n. Phrases 4. For examples with abstract terms see cover n.1 3c, covert n. 2c, shade n. 8, umbrage n. 2b.
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971 Blickl. Hom. 209 Under þæm stane wæs niccra eardung & wearga.
OE Cynewulf Elene 653 Ge þa byrgenna under stanhleoðum, ond þa stowe swa some, ond þa wintergerim on gewritu setton.
c1000 Ælfric Genesis xxi. 15 Heo þa alede þone sunu under sumum treowe.
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 14 Sibriht, þat I of told,..Þat a suynhird slouh vnder a busk of thorn.
1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 435 We ne han none hous bote holus in þe holou cauus Vndur hillus ful hie.
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 44 Wormes woweþ vnder cloude [= clod].
c1374 G. Chaucer Anelida & Arcite 19 Thow..Syngest with voice memorial in þe shade Vndir the laurier.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) iii. 9 Vnder þe stages er stables.
1422 J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. 192 Lik as a man ne restith not well vndir a dropping hous.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. b Thus with trety ye cast yon trew vndre tyld.
a1513 W. Dunbar Tua Mariit Wemen in Poems (1998) I. 41 I hard, vnder ane holyn..Ane hie speiche at my hand.
c1571 E. Campion Two Bks. Hist. Ireland (1963) ii. ix. 125 Yow are served under a canapye.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. vi. 36 [He] giueth vnto the inhabitants..these trees..vpon condition that euery one..shall trim them & keep the ground cleane that is vnder them.
1662 in Extracts State Papers (Friends' Hist. Soc.) (1911) 2nd Ser. 148 These Anabaptist..meete..privately vnder hedges at vnseasonable houres in the night.
1693 Humours & Conversat. Town 43 If they had kept under their own Vine in the Country.
1711 R. Steele Spectator 82 ⁋1 Passing under Ludgate the other Day, I heard a Voice bawling for Charity.
1761 F. Sheridan Mem. Miss Sidney Bidulph I. 251 Whatever your designs may be, it will be less to my dishonour if you prosecute them from under your husband's roof.
1843 Fraser's Mag. 28 649 Under this canopy was the coffin.
1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn II. lxiv. 315 They reached the green level under the trees.
b. Scottish. With reference to the cover or shelter of darkness. under night, during the night, by night. under cloud of night: see cloud n. 9a.
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1434 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1844) I. 391 That na fischar of sawmound..house nane bot thai be tane vndir nycht, and on the morn brocht to the markete.
1508 W. Kennedy Flyting (Chepman & Myllar) in Poems W. Dunbar (1998) I. 214 And onder nycht quhile stall thou staggis and stirkis.
1567 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 592 The said Oliver..come to the said Androis dwelling hous..under silence of nycht.
1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd ii. iii He brought east the howdy under night.
a1732 T. Boston Memoirs (1776) xi. 385 Under night we lost the way again.
1824 J. Mactaggart Sc. Gallovidian Encycl. 450 To sing undernight for ‘bawbees’ in the large towns on their way.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm I. 129 Some mares..are known to drop their foals under night in the stable.
4.
a. In general use.In some phrases with development of figurative senses: see nose n. 7b, rose n.1 and adj.1 Phrases 1, wing n., underfoot adv. under metal: see under metal at metal n. 5a.under the counter: see counter n.3 4b; under the table: see table n. Phrases 3b, Phrases 3a In quot. 1553 the reference is apparently to relative position on the map.
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the world > space > relative position > low position > [adverb] > under
underc825
thereunderc897
beneath?c1225
beneath-forth1398
hereunder1639
subjacently1874
c825 Vesp. Ps. ix. 28 Under tungan his [bioð] gewin & sar.
c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Mark iv. 21 Hueðer cuom leht-fæt..þætte under mitta..gesetted bið vel under bed.
a1000 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 82 Sub ascella sua, under his oxne.
a1250 Owl & Nightingale 86 Þe were icundere to one frogge Þat sit at Mulne vnder cogge.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1947 A siue he fond tite And bond vnder his fete.
a1400 Octouian 1851 I fond my chyld lye yn oo place, Onther a lyone..With whelpys tweyne.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1727 Ant in that selue moment Palamoun Is vnder Venus Estward in the place.
c1430 Art Nombryng (1922) 15 Therfor vnder the last in an od place sette me most fynde a digit.
1508 W. Kennedy Flyting (Chepman & Myllar) in Poems W. Dunbar (1998) I. 212 Thou wald be fayn to gnaw,..Wnder my burd smoch banis behynd doggis bakkis.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xvi Yf it be a newe house they thacke it vnder their fote.
1553 R. Eden in tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India Pref. sig. aaviij The situation of the cytie of Saba in Ethiopia vnder Egipt.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. v. xii. 72 If the said Work be under the Platform, Substract the Difference found by your Quadrant.
1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. 80 The Stoking-hole lying far under the Caldron.
1727 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. II To Chuck one under the Chin.
1762 J. Mills New Syst. Pract. Husbandry I. 265 The share will be more inclined..if the wedge under the beam is loosened.
1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 525 Here the bracket..denotes, that these two substances..form the compound written under it.
1862 W. M. Thackeray Adventures of Philip II. xi. 236 Those scratches or dashes under her words, by which some ladies are accustomed to point their satire.
1888 ‘J. S. Winter’ Bootle's Children vii. 46 A goodly crop of curly brown hair which he held under the pump..almost every morning.
b. Denoting the relationship of a horse to the rider, of a ship to a person on board, or of a motorcycle to the rider.
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OE Cynewulf Elene 1192 Cuþ þæt gewyrðeð þæt þæs cyninges sceal mearh under modegum midlum geweorðod.
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 183 Fightand on a gate, vndir him þei slouh his stede.
1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. kviijv/1 Also that same day the hors of charles was slayn vnder hym.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 17. ⁋4 My Lord Galway had his Horse shot under him in this Action.
1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 49 We might have some better Vessels under us.
1795 Ann. Reg., Hist. 30 Three horses were killed under him.
1806 A. Duncan Life Nelson 15 His ship sunk under him.
1841 Penny Cycl. XXI. 492/1 Having had a horse shot under him.
1942 Sun (Baltimore) 29 Apr. 19/1 Miss Goshen, under Eddie DeCamillis, came along in the stretch to take the second by two lengths. Sobriquet got up to nip Spare the Rod for second honors.
1980 Dirt Bike Oct. 57/1 If you're a specialist, you must think long and hard about the MAG 3. Especially if one knifes under you on a flat corner.
c. At a point just below (a part of the body).
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c1275 Passion of our Lord 388 in Old Eng. Misc. 48 Seþþe hi knowede and seyde, hayl gywene king, And smyten vnder þat ere, ne sparede hi no þing.
c1400 Rom. Rose 2097 He touchide me Vndir the side full softly.
1539 Bible (Great) 2 Sam. iii. 27 Joab..smote hym vnder ye short rybbes yt he dyed.
1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 152 He..hit him vnder the eir with his richt hand.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. x. 86 Breaches..gathered and made fast vnder the knee.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Sam. ii. 23 Wherefore Abner with the hinder ende of the speare smote him vnder the fift ribbe. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. ii. 5 Nine or ten times, I had thought to haue ierk'd him here, Vnder the ribbes. View more context for this quotation
1653 T. Urquhart tr. F. Rabelais 1st Bk. Wks. xxvii. 128 With a sound bounce under the hollow of their short ribs, he overturned their stomachs.
a1822 P. B. Shelley Charles I i, in Wks. (1870) II. 375 Smiting each Bishop under the fifth rib.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. at Nap I'll gi thee a nap under the ear.
d. Denoting position between the arm, etc., and the body.
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1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xv. 119 A peyre bedes in her hande and a boke vnder her arme.
1485 in W. Brown Yorkshire Deeds (1909) 3 Lawrence..brought with him a small coferet under his arme and bar it hens.
a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Lion & Mouse l. 1357 in Poems (1981) 55 Ane roll off paper in his hand he bair, Ane swannis pen stikand vnder his eir.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene iv. vii. sig. G3 And now he her away with him did beare Vnder his arme. View more context for this quotation
1602 2nd Pt. Returne fr. Parnassus Prol. (stage direct.) Stagekeeper carrieth the boy away vnder his arme.
1721 J. Kelly Compl. Coll. Scotish Prov. 319 She is welcome that brings some Present under her Arm.
1820 J. Keats Cap & Bells lxviii Under one arm the magic book he bore.
c1850 Arabian Nights (Rtldg.) 741 She shut the box, put it under her arm, and returned to the house.
e. Passing into the sense of ‘in’.
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1812 H. Davy Elements Chem. Philos. 285 It may be purified by..passing it under water through shamois leather.
1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xv. 337 The transference of gas from vessel to vessel under mercury.
1855 D. T. Ansted in Orr's Circle Sci.: Inorg. Nature 215 The resulting lime..sets rapidly in a damp atmosphere, and even under water.
5. Denoting the relationship of persons:
a. To something worn on the head. (In Middle English esp. in conventional phrases.)
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OE Beowulf 342 Word æfter spræc heard under helme.
OE Beowulf 1163 Þa cwom Wealhþeo forð gan under gyldnum beage.
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 49 Wiþ browen blysfol vnder hode.
c1450 (c1400) Emaré (1908) 303 Ther was noþer olde ny ȝynge, That kowþe stynte of wepynge, For þat comely vnþer kelle.
?1507 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 94 He takis the knychtis in to feild, Anarmyt vnder helme and scheild.
?1507 Ballad of Kynd Kittok in W. Dunbar Tua Mariit Wemen sig. b.ivv Scho wes like a caldrone cruke cler vnder kellys.
1551 T. Lever Serm. xiiii. December (new ed.) Epist. sig. A.vii These fflatterers be wonders perilous felowes; hauynge two faces vnder one hoode.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 640 Under a Coronet his flowing haire In curles on either cheek plaid. View more context for this quotation
1825 J. Bentham Indications Respecting Ld. Eldon 38 Think now of the scene..culprit and judge under one hood.
1846 G. E. Corrie in Holroyd Mem. (1890) xi. 241 There may be..more pride and hypocrisy under a close plain bonnet, than under a veil of silk.
1853 W. M. Thackeray Eng. Humourists i. 17 What small men they must have seemed under those enormous periwigs.
b. To something carried or raised above the head, as a standard, etc. Hence in pregnant sense, denoting military service, nationality, etc.
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OE Beowulf 1204 Siðþan he under segne sinc ealgode.
c1500 Melusine (1895) xxiv. 164 Your vassall & seruaunt shal I euer be vnder the standart of your gouernance.
1517 Reg. Privy Seal Scotl. I. 451/1 William Turnbule..deit under umquhile our soverane lordis baner.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxliii Therle of Northumberlande, vnder whose standerd were..sixe thousande and seuen.C.men.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Publyke Baptisme f. ii* Manfully to fyght vnder his banner against synne, the worlde, and the deuill.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 277 Wndir this croce, scotis men ar sure.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues at Subhastation The auncient Romans vsed..to hold their Outcries [= auctions] vnder a kind of speare, or iauelin.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 533 Him soon they met Under spred Ensignes moving nigh. View more context for this quotation
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 30 A small Frigate-built Vessel, under Spanish Colours.
1750 W. Beawes Lex Mercatoria (1752) 9 Very soon all the commerce of those parts was only carried on under French colours.
1769 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xxxv. 45 To fight under the banners of their enemies.
1852 Sir J. Graham in C. S. Parker Life & Lett. (1907) II. 149 The rival camps under hostile standards will thus be pitched.
1869 in Cornhill Mag. June (1918) 635 Some of the Colonies..may in process of time find themselves under the Stars and Stripes of the Flag of the United States.
c. Nautical. Of ships, with reference to the sails, etc.
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c893 tr. Orosius Hist. i. i. §21 Þæt þæt scip wæs ealne weg yrnende under segle.
1508 W. Kennedy Flyting (Chepman & Myllar) in Poems W. Dunbar (1998) I. 215 Quhen that the schip was saynit and vndir saile [etc.].
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. ii. 17 Thus have you the Ship a trije under a Mizen.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. ii. 18 Thus you have the Ship..steering under all her Canvas.
1707 London Gaz. No. 4380/3 The Firebrand..forc'd in under a Fore-course for the Light of St. Agnes.
1719 in T. D'Urfey Wit & Mirth III. 306 She lies a try under her Mizen.
1780 W. Coxe Acct. Russ. Discov. 130 Drove 24 hours under bare poles.
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast ix. 22 A large ship under top-gallant sails.
1885 Law Times' Rep. 53 54/1 The J. M. Stevens was proceeding under all sail close-hauled on the port tack.
6. figurative.a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 39 I tell ȝow this, vndir confessioun.
a. With reference to something which covers, clothes, envelops, or conceals; passing into the sense of ‘within’.In Middle English frequently in phrases: see quots. and gore n.2 2, lace n. 1c(b), line n.1 2b, shield n. 1b ( under arms at arms n. Phrases 2c is probably an extension of this sense). For the figurative sense of under a cloud at cloud n. 10b. under water (= flooded): see water n.
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OE Beowulf 1209 He under rande gecranc.
a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 688 He syððan..forðferde..under Cristes claðum.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 809 Schome ow is to schuderin lengre under schelde.
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Jude i. 6 Sothliche aungels..he reseruede..in euerelastinge boondis vndir derknesse.
c1402 J. Lydgate Compl. Black Knight 64 I sawe ther Daphne closed under rynde.
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Franklin's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 401 This matere..Vnder his brist he baar it moore secree Than euere dide Panfilus for Galathee.
c1450 (c1400) Emaré (1908) 250 Then sayde þat wordy vnþer wede.
c1450 (c1400) Emaré (1908) 501 That semely vnþer serke.
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 82 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 97 That Is ye plesant pacok..Constant and kirklyk vnder his clere cape.
1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue Ep. Ded. sig. *ijv While the watchmen slept, many..vnder Lambes skinnes craftely crept into the sheepfold.
a1592 R. Greene Orpharion (1599) 17 And vnder a faire face resteth a faithfull hart.
1621 T. W. tr. S. Goulart Wise Vieillard 26 Our life may be compared to..the Moone,..often ecclipsed and vnder a cloud.
1775 B. Franklin Let. 9 Dec. in European Mag. & London Rev. (1804) May 349/2 Please to send your letters to him, under cover, directed to Mr. Alderman Lee.
1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Odyssey in Iliad & Odyssey II. vii. 357 There, under wither'd leaves, forlorn, I slept All the long night.
1804 Pitt in G. Rose Diaries (1860) II. 75 I send this under Hammond's cover to the Postmaster.
a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) II. xiii. 267 Direct to me at Lord Longtown's..under cover to Alice. View more context for this quotation
1817 T. E. Bowdich Mission to Ashantee ix. 375 It proceeds by ulcerating under the skin.
1859 Habits Good Society 50 If you do not wear silk stockings under your boots.
1872 Routledge's Every Boy's Ann. 185/2 All addressed..to him under cover to the agents of his regiment.
b. Denoting the relationship of land to crops grown, or animals reared, on it: Planted, sowed or stocked with; used for growing or rearing.
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(a)
(b)1799 A. Young Gen. View Agric. County Lincoln 194 [The pasture] that had been under sheep [was] so greatly superior.1891 Pall Mall Gaz. 24 Aug. 2/2 Again, in Ross-shire, the area under deer has advanced..to a little more than one-half.1569 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 676 Peciabill possessioun of the landis and stedingis of Cullard and Conege, under crop as it is.
1795 C. Vancouver Gen. View Agric. Essex 53 The marshes which were formerly under grass, are now very generally under the plough.
1803 Gazetteer Scotl. at Bowden It is in general level, and about three-fourths are under crop.
1845 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 6 ii. 524 I put the ground..under early potatoes.
1868 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2nd Ser. 4 ii. 322 This field has been laid under grass.
1890 H. M. Stanley In Darkest Afr. I. x. 232 The Manyuema had..five acres under rice, and as many under beans.
7.
a. Denoting position at the bottom or foot of something, or beside it but at a lower level: By the side of, close by (a wood, town, etc.). Sometimes with implication of shelter or protection.Also with abstract terms, esp. lee n.1 1, shelter n. 2 under the wind: see wind n.1 27.
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971 Blickl. Hom. 211 Þæt wæter wæs sweart under þæm clife neoðan.
OE Beowulf 211 Flota wæs on yðum, bat under beorge.
OE Beowulf 710 Ða com of more under misthleoþum Grendel gongan.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 13558 Þa he com in ane dale vnder ane dune. þer he gon at-stonden.
c1305 Judas Iscariot 70 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 109 So þat þis tuei schrewen..Adai ȝeode alone pleye vnder an orchard.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1874) V. 329 Þat ryver renneþ under the citee of Wygan.
c1402 J. Lydgate Compl. Black Knight 77 I sawe a litel welle, That had his course..Under a hille.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1123 And downward on an hil vnder a bente Ther stood the temple of Mars Armypotente.
1495 Cov. Leet Bk. 563 Such grounde as the seid Maister had vnder the parke syde.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccj So vnder a wooddes side, thei couertly espied them passe forward.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. i. 31 b [We lay] seuen daies vnder the castle and fortresse called Capsali.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. x. 44 b The castle,..vnder which lieth a vallie very fertile.
1600 A. Munday et al. First Pt. True Hist. Sir I. Old-castle sig. H3 Hard vnder Islington wait you my comming.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ iii. iv. §12 That part of Thessaly which lyes under the mountains Ossa and Olympus.
1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 194 We were obliged to come to an Anchor under a little Island.
1751 C. Labelye Descr. Westm. Bridge 28 The Carpenters began to make and erect, under the Surry Shore, 12 Frames of Timber.
1803 Gazetteer Scotl. at Orkney Islands Under the rock where the fowls build they row their boat.
1840 A. Alison Hist. Europe from French Revol. VIII. lxii. 365 Seeking refuge under any projecting ground from the intolerable musketry.
1842 J. C. Loudon Suburban Horticulturist 625 Either in the open garden,..or under a wall.
b. In military and naval use.
ΚΠ
1677 London Gaz. No. 1237/2 The slaughter would have been much greater, but that by the favor of the night they got under the Cannon of the Fort of Kiel.
1710 London Gaz. No. 4731/2 The Duke of Anjou was encamped..under the Cannon of Lerida.
1805 in Ld. Nelson Dispatches & Lett. (1846) VII. 167 (note) At 2.5 The French Admiral's Ship under our Quarter had lost her foremast.
8. With verbs of motion, impulsion, etc., denoting change of place to a position below or beneath something.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > low position > low down in or on [preposition] > under
underc888
underneathc893
anunderOE
aneathc1550
'neatha1582
nadir to1625
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxix. §3 Hwa ne wundrað ðæs þæt sume steorran gewitað under þa sæ.
OE Beowulf 403 Þa secg wisode under Heorotes hrof.
OE Beowulf 820 Scolde Grendel þonan..fleon under fenhleoðu.
c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) vii. 6 Ne eom ic wyrðe þæt ðu ga under mine þecene.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 1551 & þurrh þatt tatt tu fullhtnesst hemm. & unnderr waterr dippesst.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 4192 Tweien scalkes..scriðen under. bordes. & skirmden mid mæine.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Luke vii. 6 I am not worthi, that thou entre vndir my roof.
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 179 A lodes-mon lyȝtly lep vnder hachches.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. xxiv. 65 The arcenal..hath neare an hundreth arches or vaultes to builde and hale the gallies vnder couert and drye.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 210 All which, at the ringing of this bell to prayer, went vnder the hatches.
1648 H. Hexham Groot Woorden-boeck Onderduycken, to Dive Vnder water, as in swimming.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 124 When Golden Suns appear, And under Earth have driv'n the Winter Year. View more context for this quotation
a1719 J. Addison Dialogues Medals in Wks. (1721) I. ii. 497 She thrusts a lighted torch under a heap of armour that lies by an Altar.
1806 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 15 275 He admits that various active substances may be introduced under the cuticle.
1827 Mirror II. 254/1 Chance..led him under an apple-tree.
1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 251 Rude Boreas, who likes to let daylight under the focussing cloth.
II. In senses denoting subordination or subjection.
9. † c. In addition to; besides. Obsolete.
a. With reference to persons acting in a certain capacity, considered in relation to one holding a superior position or office.
ΚΠ
c893 tr. Orosius Hist. iii. xi. 142 Þa þe under Alexandre fyrmest wæron.
c1000 Rule of Chrodegang vi Se bisceop oððe se ðe under him ealdor is.
c1380 Eng. Wycliffite Serm. in Sel. Wks. I. 316 So Syryne, þat was þere cheef undur þe emperour, bigan to make þis discripcion.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16026 Þai..sent to pilate þair procuratur,..For he sett vte-ouer þam vnder cesar þe king.
c1420 J. Lydgate Assembly of Gods 1259 Then made Vertu Frewyll baylle vndyr Reson.
c1425 Eng. Conq. Ireland 6 In that tym was prince in wales, Rys, Gryffynes son, onþer the kyng of england.
1473 in C. Rogers Rental Bk. Cupar-Angus (1879) I. 166 We hafe grantyt hym..to mak tenandis onder hym.
1530 St. German's Secunde Dyaloge Doctour & Student xxxvi. f. lxxxxvv The pope is the vycar generall vnder god.
1546 in W. Page Certificates Chantries County of York (1895) II. 348 The same prebendaries have vj vicars inducted under them.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Soubcurateur,..one that hath the..charge of a thing vnder another.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 698 Hee together calls..the Regent Powers, Under him Regent. View more context for this quotation
1761 List Officers Army 195/2 Capt. Sir Duncan Campbell, Bt. Staff-offi. la. under L. G. St. Clair.
1820 C. Lamb in London Mag. Aug. 144/1 Deputy, under Evans, was Thomas Tame.
1843 R. S. Surtees Handley Cross I. vii. 127 Betsey, a maid of all work, and a girl under her.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. i. 55 The King was, under Christ, sole head of the Church.
1891 E. Peacock Narcissa Brendon I. 133 He had worked under Clark.
b. under God, Heaven, etc., in parenthetic use. (Cf. god n. and int. Phrases 1a(c).)
ΚΠ
1544 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Star Chamber (1911) II. 279 The ship..wherof one John Goodlade..then vndir god was master.
1616 R. Cocks Diary (1883) I. 199 Of his arivall there in our junck,..he under God saveing her.
a1704 J. Locke Paraphrase Epist. St. Paul (1707) Pref. p. xvii This..the only safe Guide (under the Spirit of God..) that can be rely'd on.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 23 He..thank'd me that had, under God, given him and so many miserable Creatures their Lives.
1841 E. Bulwer-Lytton Night & Morning iii. xi The husband and wife..looked up to her as the author, under Heaven, of their happiness.
1841 E. Bulwer-Lytton Night & Morning v. xix It is from you, under Providence, that [etc.].
ΚΠ
c1400 T. Chestre Launfal 48 For the lady bar..swych word, That sche had lemannys unther her lord.
c1440 Gesta Romanorum (Harl.) i. 1 Þis woman lovid by wey of synne an oþer knyȝt, vndir hire husbond.
c1440 Gesta Romanorum (Harl.) v. 12 There was a knyȝt hadde a faire wife, þat tooke an oþer vndir him.
d. With reference to derivative rights or claims.
ΚΠ
1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) II. 505 As to the grantee of the rent-charge, he was in under the first joint tenant who released.
1896 Law Times 100 410/1 The acts or defaults of any person other than himself and those claiming under him.
10.
a. Denoting subordination to, or control by, a person or persons having or exercising recognized authority or command; occasionally: in the service of.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > under the authority or control of [preposition]
underc950
anunderlOE
underneathc1450
c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Matt. viii. 9 Ic..hæfo under mec ðeignas.
c1000 Ælfric Numbers iii. 9 Beon hig þenas under Aarone and his sunum.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 223 He ane is to herien, þurh hwam & under hwam alle kinges rixleð.
c1230 Hali Meid. 31 For, beo hit nu, þat..[þu] habbe monie under þe, hirdmen in halle.
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Matt. viii. 9 For whi and I am a man..hauynge vndir me kniȝtis.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxx. 133 Prestre Iohn has vnder him many kynges.
1495 Act 11 Hen. VII c. 22 §1 A maister Ship Carpenter taking the charge of the werke havyng men undre hym.
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 133 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 99 Ffor all statis of kirk yat wnder crist standis.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 17 Now also use your tyme under so nobul a prynce to the mayntenance..of the same.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry V f. xxxviii While all was vnder one [king], no nacion durste..attempte warre against the Britons.
1639 A. Wheelocke in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) (Camden) 157 I could wish that our learned gentrie..would imploy some scholars to be under them..to compile a body of our Divinity.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver II. iv. iv. 56 In my last Voyage, I was Commander of the Ship, and had about fifty Yahoos under me.
1779 Mirror No. 4 An uncle of my wife, who..had obtained a very considerable office under government.
1838 W. Bell Dict. Law Scotl. 168 The society is now under the keeper of the signet.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. i. 141 Favourable to the plan of reviving the old civil constitution under a new dynasty.
b. spec. Denoting relation to military commanders or political leaders: Led or commanded by; in the forces or following of.
ΚΠ
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 1332 Vor þe maistrie nis noȝt a kinges..Ac kniȝtes þat vnder him viȝteþ & ssedeþ hor blod.
1565 T. Stapleton tr. F. Staphylus Apologie Pref. 11 His wisedom..he well declared..in the like seruice vnder the Catholike and vertuous Duke of Bauaria.
1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus ii. 6 Let them now serue as voluntaries vnder the Captaine Iesus Christ.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) iv. vii. 144 King. Who seru'st thou vnder? Will. Vnder Captaine Gower. View more context for this quotation
1718 M. Prior Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) Ded. sig.Aa3v In the first Dutch War He went a Voluntier under the Duke of York.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality vii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 141 I made my first campaigns under him.
1839 Penny Cycl. XIV. 347/2 On the 18th May, 1565, the Turks, under Mustapha Pacha,..landed on the island of Malta.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. xii. 204 He..had fought bravely under Monmouth on the Continent.
1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 414 The great communistic uprising under Wat Tyler in 1381.
c. Denoting relation to teachers or instructors: Subject to the instruction, direction, or guidance of. to sit under (a preacher): see to sit under —— at sit v. Phrasal verbs 2. See also study v. 14a.
ΚΠ
1524 Reg. Mag. Sig. Scot. 200 The said M. Hary..has maid under him gude and perite scolaris now laitlie the tyme that he was maister of our scule.
1691 A. Wood Athenæ Oxonienses II. 693 His first education in Grammar learning was under one Thom. Sibley.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 154. ⁋2 I..had the finishing Part of my Education under a Man of great Probity.
1724 H. Bedford tr. Life J. Barwick App. 362 Under this Instructor he learnt the Art of blurting out crude Sermons.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. vii. xii. 92 There were likewise two Ensigns,..one of whom had been bred under an Attorney. View more context for this quotation
1808 W. Scott in J. G. Lockhart Life W. Scott (1848) I. i. 43 I made some progress in Ethics under Professor John Bruce.
1837 K. H. Digby Mores Catholici VIII. vi. 169 He studied under Albert at Cologne and Paris.
1900 D. C. Tovey in Gray's Lett. I. 3 (note) Birkett was the tutor under whom Gray was admitted a Pensioner at Peterhouse.
d. As a tenant of.
ΚΠ
1754 in Minutes of Evid. Nairne Peerage (1873) 51 in Sessional Papers House of Lords (H.L. A) XII. 65 She lived under said lord Nairn very near his house.
e. In the hands of (a doctor).
ΚΠ
1846 S. S. Magoffin Diary 19 Sept. in Down Santa Fé Trail (1926) 135 He has been under the Doctor for some time.
1898 Hutchinson's Arch. Surg. IX. 382 I go once a week to Dr. Brown, but whether I am under him or he is under me I never can quite tell.
f. Music. = Conducted by.
ΚΠ
1887 E. Dannreuther tr. W. R. Wagner On Conducting 63 Fancies of this sort, however, were not permitted during the strictly classical performance, under the veteran Capellmeister, at the Munich Odeon.
1910 G. B. Shaw How to become Musical Critic (1960) 278 A performance under Manns of a Mozart symphony.
1943 N.Y. Times 9 May ii. 5/5 The City Amateur Symphony Orchestra, under Judge Leopold Prince, will give its annual series of Summer concerts.
1962 Listener 12 Apr. 661/2 The BBC Northern Orchestra under Jacques-Louis Monod.
1977 Y. Menuhin Unfinished Journey xvi. 342 During Sir Thomas Beecham's sponsorship of it, I performed the Viotti A Minor Concerto with him—the last time I played under Sir Thomas's baton.
11.
a. With names or designations of rulers, passing into the sense of ‘during the reign or administration of’, ‘in the time or period of’.
ΚΠ
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. i He þa gemunde..þara ealdrihta þe hi under þam caserum hæfdon.
?a900 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Parker MS.) ann. 653 Her Middel-Seaxe onfengon under Peadan aldormen ryhtne geleafan.
c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Luke iv. 27 Monigo hreafo weron..under [Helisaeo] ðæne witgo.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 12 Þe uerþe article belongeþ to his passion, þet is to zigge, þet he þolede dyaþ onder pouns pilate.
1445 tr. Claudian's De Consulatu Stilichonis in Anglia (1905) 28 277 What so evir we loste toforne vndir our princis fele By thi comforte..may soon be yolden ageyn.
c1480 (a1400) St. Paul 28 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 30 Quhen he come to rome, wndir fell nero tholit dowme, and ded wes.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Svpper of the Lorde f. cxxijv [He] was Crucified also for vs vnder Poncius Pilate.
1565 T. Harding Answere to Iuelles Chalenge 41 b Soter Byshop of Rome..who suffred martyrdom vnder Antoninus Verus the Emperour.
1619 E. M. Bolton in tr. Florus Rom. Hist. Ep. Ded. sig. A2v An heathen man, and liuing vnder Traian the emperour.
1759 A. Butler Lives Saints IV. 546 Bishop Fisher who was put to death for his religion under Henry VIII.
1807 ‘P. Plymley’ Two Lett. on Catholics i. 16 There were as many persons put to death for religious opinions under the mild Elizabeth as under the bloody Mary.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 280 The national wealth..was greater under the Tudors than under the Plantagenets.
1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn I. xxvi. 254 He would have lost his head under Caligula.
b. Similarly with other nouns.
ΚΠ
a1400 New Test. (Paues) Heb. vii. 11 For vnder þat presthod þe pepel vnderfong þe lawe.
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper ii. 89 They are such beasts as while the Law was up,..furnished Gods Altar with Sacrifices, and now under the Gospell, our tables with meate.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. vi. §8 The Prophets under the old Testament, when they speak of things to come to pass in the New.
1688 J. Dryden tr. D. Bouhours Life St. Francis Xavier i. 39 Overjoy'd, that under his Pontificate, a gate shou'd be open'd to the Gospel, in the Oriental Indies.
1807 ‘P. Plymley’ Two Lett. on Catholics i. 13 Under the reign of his present Majesty.
1826 C. Lamb in New Monthly Mag. 16 624 But who can show it?.. Under what king's reign is it pretended?
12.
a. Denoting subjection to power or force exercised by some person or persons: Beneath the rule or domination of; subject to.
ΚΠ
a950 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Parker MS.) ann. 942 Burga fife..Dæne wæran ær, under Norðmannum nyde gebegde.
a1225 Leg. Kath. 1092 He is godd seolf, þe duste deað under him.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 9873 Hii..gret raunson him geue, In þraldom as vnder him þere to bileue.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xvii. 43 Þou supplantid rysand in me vndire me.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxix. 132 Cristen men schall be vnder þaim.
1517 R. Torkington Oldest Diarie Englysshe Trav. (1884) 63 The havyn of Corfewe, whiche Cite and yle ys vnder the Venycianns.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) 1 Cor. xv. 27 It is manifest that he is excepted, which did putt all thynges vnder him.
1610 J. Healey tr. St. Augustine Citie of God iii. xiii. 122 What..liues the cittizens lastly led, vnder so huge a bed-roll of gods Guardians!
b. under the sea (see quots.). under the weather (dialect and U.S.): see weather n.
ΚΠ
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 40 When they would lie obscurely in the Sea, or stay for some consort, [they] lash sure the helme a lee, and so a good ship will lie at ease vnder the Sea as wee terme it.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. 706 Under the sea, a ship lying-to in a heavy gale, and making bad weather of it.
13.
a. With abstract or other nouns denoting authority or control, with or without specification of the person or persons exercising it.Cf. command n. 3d. Also in figurative phrases with hand n. Phrases 1l(c), thumb n. 5f, 5g, eye n.1 Phrases 1f, underfoot adv. 1, 2.
ΚΠ
(a)
(b)c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Matt. viii. 9 Ic monn amm under mæht.a1000 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 102 Forðam cild ic eom under gyrda drohtniende.c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Matt. (Corpus Cambr.) viii. 9 Soðlice ic eom man under anwealde.] a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12117 Þou est vnder and þar-in bunden, Bot i am ar þe lagh was funden.c1400 Rom. Rose 4923 That he may er he hennes pace Conteyne vndir obedience Thurgh the vertu of pacience.1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus Subiugo,..to bryng vnder yoke.1615 T. Jackson Iustifying Faith iv. iii. ix. § 1. 348 In the Fort..of the soule, where it hath euery..desire as it were vnder shot, or at..commaund.1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 322 To remaine In strictest bondage,..Under th' inevitable curb. View more context for this quotation1682 J. Dryden Medall Epist. Whigs sig. A3 Laws under which we were born.1784 P. Wright New Bk. Martyrs 806/1 He..was at last taken..by three Moss-troopers, under no discipline.1832 H. Martineau Life in Wilds Pref. 3 How the universe was formed and under what rules its movements proceed.1846 H. Raikes Life Sir J. Brenton 125 The Santa Dorothea frigate, then under orders for England.1884 Times (Weekly ed.) 31 Oct. 15/1 The Agamemnon was under orders to strengthen the China fleet.1890 Ld. Esher in Law Times Rep. 63 734/1 Whenever that official acts under the rules ordinarily regulating his duties.1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 397 It must be obvious how much the light is under control.1969 H. R. F. Keating Inspector Ghote plays Joker iii. 55 This authoritative figure took the microphone..and made an announcement that the horses were under orders.1977 A. C. H. Smith Jericho Gun iv. 52 The PA commentary told him when they were under orders, and off.c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxvi. §1 Ðætte æfre swylc yfel geweorðan sceolde under ðæs ælmihtgan Godes anwalde.
c910 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Parker MS.) ann. 901 Se wæs cyning ofer eall Ongelcyn butan ðæm dæle þe under Dena onwalde wæs.
971 Blickl. Hom. 99 Eaþmodgiaþ eow sylfe under þære mihte Godes handa.
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 13 Murðhe sculen wunian on londe þet bið on griðe and on friðe under mire onwalde.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 35 To ben unnderr deofless þeowwdom.
c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 5884 Prelats..Sal acount yhelde in sere degre Of þair suggets undir þair powere.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 18 So that under the clerkes lawe Men sen the Merel al mysdrawe.
1399 J. Gower In Praise of Peace 39 Of all the world to winne the victoire, So that undir his swerd it myht obeie.
1457 J. Hardyng Chron. in Eng. Hist. Rev. Oct. (1912) 744 Compleyntes of wrong alway in general Refourmed were, so vndyr his yerde egall.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xxviii. 576 The xix kynges..comaunded alle hem that were vnther theire Iustice, that eche man sholde euer be redy.
1512 Act 4 Hen. VIII c. 19 §4 Every alien & stranger nott borne under the Kynges allegiance & not made Denyzen.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1537) sig. Z5v Thou shalte tourne to be bonde to theim that are nowe under thy bondage.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 242 Under his gloomie power I shall not long Lie vanquisht. View more context for this quotation
1754 A. Murphy Gray's Inn Jrnl. No. 95 In all Ages the Managers of Play-houses have acquiesced under the Gallery-Jurisdiction.
1781 T. Warton Specimen Hist. Oxfordshire (1783) 17 An old donation, for the sustenance of a perpetual lamp to burn before the high-altar in the royal chapel at Islip, under the trust and supervision of the abbats of Westminster.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. iii. 412 He proposed that it should no longer act under the orders of that Presidency.
1835 C. Dickens Let. ?29 Dec. (1965) I. 113 I regret to say that my being under orders from The Chronicle will prevent my enjoying the pleasure of seeing you tomorrow.
1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. June 366/1 Banking operations come necessarily under its sphere.
1877 J. Northcote Catacombs i. v. 90 The artists..worked under ecclesiastical supervision.
1888 Contemp. Rev. July 36 A person who is under the direction of amateurish clerks.
b. With words denoting guidance or direction.under correction: see correction n. 1b.
ΚΠ
?c1550 tr. P. Vergil Eng. Hist. (1846) I. 108 Thei camen home under the conduite of their lodesmanne Fergusius.
1598 R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (new ed.) I. Ep. Ded. sig. *3v As..our skill in Nauigation hath hitherto bene very much bettered..vnder the Admiraltie of your Lordship.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. (1682) i. 21 The Trojanes, under conduct of Æneus.
a1700 in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1911) 9 336 She was both loved & fear'd by those yt had ye happines to be under her conduct.
1711 Spectator No. 67. ⁋6 My eldest Daughter..has for some time been under the Tuition of Monsieur Rigadoon.
1759 S. Johnson Prince of Abissinia II. xxviii*. 25 Travelling through the world under the conduct of chance.
1782 W. Gilpin Observ. River Wye (1789) 55 Under his conduct we climbed the steep.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. vi. 179 She saw herself, at the approach of night, under his guidance, among wild and solitary mountains.
1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xxi. 546 Unless this be done by the experimenter, or under his particular directions, it should be left untouched.
1885 Law Times 23 May 63/1 A fourth edition..has just appeared under the editorship of Mr. Charles Burney.
c. With words denoting or implying subjection to, or being the subject of, (a) some form of handling or treatment, (b) consideration, trial, or notice; under observation: see observation n. Phrases.
ΚΠ
(a)
(b)1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 2 As to what concerns the point of Law, this Question falls chiefly under debate.1664 in Extracts State Papers (Friends' Hist. Soc.) (1912) 3rd Ser. 214 I have had them thrice under private examination.1677 Earl of Essex in E. Papers (Camden) II. 112 The throwing ye man overboard, for w[hi]ch ye Master..of the ship will be brought under question.1737 Gentleman's Mag. Nov. 660/2 Let me next suppose the Payment now under our Consideration to be made to the Bank.1780 Mirror No. 102 It is not the character itself that falls under my observation.1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xii. 278 Any number of parts by volume of the acid under trial.1849 Tait's Edinb. Mag. 16 163/2 The first judge who comes under our notice is William Fitz-Osborne.1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 198 The subject under discussion has nothing to do with chemicals.1535 Bible (Coverdale) Exod. xxi. 20 He that smyteth his seruaunt..that he dye vnder his handes.
1659 D. Pell Πελαγος 72 As a Physician doth to see many patients dying under his hands.
a1670 J. Hacket Scrinia Reserata (1693) ii. 28 The Subject which is now under the Quill is the Bishop of Lincoln.
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 61 He may with Justice boast, that very few die under his Hands.
a1719 J. Addison tr. Virgil Fourth Georgic in Wks. (1721) I. 258 That Poem, which lay so long under Virgil's correction, and had his last hand put to it.
1792 W. Cowper Let. 26 Jan. (1984) IV. 7 But no laurels are to be won by sitting patiently under the knife of a Surgeon.
1837 B. Disraeli Venetia I. 166 As the Doctor was under the operation of the barber.
1843 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 54 616 I left him under the hands of his valet.
1884 Marshall's Tennis Cuts 234 He is..now under medical treatment.
d. under the plough, employed as arable land. So under cultivation, under tillage, etc.
ΚΠ
1795 [see sense 6b].
1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. I. 296 Land..under an arable system of cultivation.
1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. I. 314 Soils..under tillage.
1833 H. Martineau Brooke & Brooke Farm (ed. 3) iv Lands that have been under the plough for hundreds of years.
1862 D. T. Ansted & R. G. Latham Channel Islands i. iii. 37 Of this area, about 10,000 acres are under cultivation.
e. under steam adv. etc. (Cf. 5c.)
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1839 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 2 475/2 She can scarcely fail to attain an uncommon speed under steam.
1860 Mercantile Marine Mag. 7 216 Orders were given..to let the ship go under easy steam.
1873 Routledge's Young Gentleman's Mag. June 392/2 The Forward was under steam, ready to seize the first opening to make her exit.
1883 Law Times Rep. 49 332/1 About to round Blackwall Point under a port helm.
f. Mathematics. With nouns denoting an operation performed.
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1901 L. E. Dickson Linear Groups ii. xi. 252 G contains..such conjugate cyclic subgroups, all of whose substitutions are conjugate under G.
1940 E. T. Bell Devel. Math. xx. 394 The constancy of the cross ratio of four collinear points under projection.
1956 E. M. Patterson Topol. iv. 84 y0 is the image of xo under the homeomorphism.
1974 Encycl. Brit. Macropædia XI. 657/1 A conic has a central projection that is another conic, but some properties are not preserved under projection.
14.
a. With words denoting or implying restraint, confinement, or safe keeping.
ΚΠ
OE Cynewulf Elene 485 In byrgenne [he] bidende wæs under þeosterlocan.
13.. Evang. Nicod. 831 in Herrig Archiv LIII. 406 Yhe keped him vnder kay [rhymes day, way, may].
c1386 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 38 In libertee and vnder noon arreest.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 188 The Priest Thoas, which..the Palladion of Troie Kepte under keie.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 17411 Ioseph..ȝe lokid vnder lock and sele.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xx. 89 Þare es na thing vnder lokk, and als riche es a man as anoþer.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1865) I. 373 Kepenge hit with grete diligence vnder a locke.
1495 Cov. Leet Bk. 569 Þat they be putte vnder suertie fro session vnto session.
a1500 Lancelot of Laik (1870) 916 [He] stood wnder hir arest.
1570 Mariage Witte & Sci. ii. i. sig. Bii Althinges must be kept vnder locke and haspe.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xxxi. 154 With great care [they] kept their wyves so closely under lock and key.
1611 J. Florio Queen Anna's New World of Words Sottogardia, vnder guard, keeping or custody.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) i. ii. 123 If I could speake so wisely vnder an arrest, I would send for certaine of my Creditors. View more context for this quotation
1629 J. Wadsworth Eng. Spanish Pilgrime viii. 90 He left mee alone.., lockt vnder seuen doores.
1661 J. Howell Twelve Several Treat. 338 Their faculties have a kind of ubiquitary freedom, though the body be never so under restraint.
1689 in Acts Parl. Scotl. (1875) XII. 50/2 The petitioner was sent for to be brought to the meeting under a gaurd [sic].
1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 105. ⁋2 Poor Will was under an Arrest, and desired the Assistance of all..or he must go to Gaol.
1737 in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. i. 488 While he was Under confinement He liv'd very magnificently.
1799 Hull Advertiser 17 Aug. 2/4 No officer could be landed, the ship being under quarantine.
1836 F. Marryat Mr. Midshipman Easy I. xii. 196 Sir, consider yourself under an arrest.
1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge lxxiii. 368 Taken..to the Tower, under the strongest guard ever known to enter its gates.
1847 in Proc. Lincoln Asylum (1847) 28 (note) Patients are frequently brought to this Asylum under distressing restraints.
1860 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (ed. 2) VI. 60 Lord Russell was soon after placed under arrest.
c1860 H. Stuart Novices or Young Seaman's Catech. (rev. ed.) 62 Under lock and key, in the..store room.
b. With words denoting an obligation, compact, or formal engagement: Subject to, bound or constrained (legally or morally) by.
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c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 96 Cristin men, yat ar duelland jn the mistrowand menis housis vndermalis, suld be lele to thair malaris.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 77 Certayn landys were gyven out..to inferyor personys..under such condycyon that [etc.].
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. xcviijv My Lorde of Winchester..hath subscribed with his awne hande, vnder the worde of priestehod, to stande at the aduise..of the persones abouesaied.
1626 C. Potter tr. P. Sarpi Hist. Quarrels 185 He had particular Commandement from the King his Master, to oblige him vnder the Word of a King, to a neere Vnion with the Republique.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 362. ⁋1 All who vend Wines should be under oaths in that behalf.
1790 W. Paley Horæ Paulinæ xi. §1 As he was also under a promise to the church of Philippi to see them.
1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) IV. 488 A covenant to renew a lease, under the same rent and covenants as those contained in the original lease.
1836 C. Dickens Sketches by Boz 1st Ser. II. 282 Mr. Samuel, the eldest, was an attorney, and Mr. Alexander, the youngest, was under definite articles to his brother.
1848 J. W. Carlyle Lett. (1883) II. 26 This time I am under engagement to go.
1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 415 Every master was under an obligation..to keep an iron helmet and harness.
15.
a. With reference to physical weight or pressure. (Originally in literal sense.) Also in figurative context.
ΚΠ
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6830 If þou find..Vnder birthin his beist ligand, Help him.
a1400 New Test. (Paues) 2 Peter ii. 16 He spak not as resonable man, but as a doume beste þat vnder synne was ȝoked.
1591 E. Spenser Ruines of Rome in Complaints 161 Th' earth vnder her childrens weight did grone.
1611 Bible (King James) Exod. vi. 6 I will bring you out from vnder the burdens of the Egyptians. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 539 So shall the World goe on,..Under her own waight groaning. View more context for this quotation
1715 J. Addison Spectator No. 559. ¶7 They wandered up and down under the Pressure of their several Burthens.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. i. 27 Her reason seemed to totter under the intolerable weight.
1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xv. 374 The glass vessels intended to retain gases under pressure.
1842 J. C. Loudon Suburban Horticulturist 346 The health of the tree must decline under the load of..imperfectly nourished fruit.
1891 T. Hardy Tess of the D'Urbervilles I. iii. 30 The cradle-rockers..,under the weight of so many children,..were worn nearly flat.
b. With words denoting pains, penalties, or similar consequences: Subject to the risk or certainty of incurring or suffering. Sometimes elliptical.
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c1449 R. Pecock Repressor 99 Vndir greet peyne of horrible deeth suffring.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xxiij v Commaunding al men to eschew his..company, vnder the lyke penaltie.
1599 E. Sandys Europæ Speculum (1632) 112 Whom they charge under an high degree of mortall sinne and damnation..to appeach even their neerest and dearest friends.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. ii. 49 Neither may they stay..all night vnder the paine of imprisonment.
1635 E. Pagitt Christianographie i. iii. 56 Vndoubted verities, and to be believed under the Popes curse.
1665 in Extracts State Papers (Friends' Hist. Soc.) (1912) 3rd Ser. 231 [They] shalbe vnder such penalties as the law may inflict vpon them.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 66. ⁋5 Under Pain of never having an Husband.
1737 R. Challoner Catholick Christian Instructed ix. 123 Which is the Case of all such as refuse.., to comply with any Part of their Duty, to which they are obliged under mortal Sin.
1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters i. 154 Of these, no subject was permitted to drink under severe penalties.
1820 J. Milner Suppl. Mem. Eng. Catholics App. 305 An obligation..under the guilt of a grievous sin.
1845 J. Lingard Hist. & Antiq. Anglo-Saxon Church (ed. 3) II. ix. 67 He..forbade his sons, under their father's malediction, to molest them.
c. With words denoting something oppressive, distressing, or restrictive of free action: In the condition of suffering from, being afflicted or distressed by, etc.Cf. the use of Old English under with words meaning ‘grip’ or ‘grasp’. With somewhat weakened force, the sense occurs frequently with certain words, as contribution, difficulty, disadvantage, necessity, sentence.
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1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Gal. iii. 10 Who euere ben of the workis of lawe, ben vndir curs.
1512 Reg. Privy Seal Scotl. I. 365/2 Thai stand now under accusatioun for crime of tresoun.
1569 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 682 [He] ressavit fra ilk ane..the sowme of thre pundis, and yit hes thame under danger of the rest.
1644 J. Milton Of Educ. 4 All the Historicall Physiology of Aristotle and Theophrastus are open before them, and as I may say, under contribution.
1663 J. Spencer Disc. Prodigies (1665) 335 The more modern Rabbins were under a despair of..equalling the Traditional..Commentators upon their Law.
1687 T. Brown Saints in Uproar in Wks. (1730) I. 78 Did you manage it à la militaire, and lay the country under contribution?
1711 Spectator No. 116. ⁋7 If I was under any Concern, it was on the Account of the poor Hare.
1711 Spectator No. 116. ⁋8 A noble Soul struggling under innumerable Pains and Distempers.
1725 J. Collier Several Disc. 369 The Publishers of it..lay under Discountenance and Persecution from the civil Powers.
1750 S. Johnson Rambler No. 6. ⁋6 Those that suffer under the dreadful symptom of canine madness.
1774 T. Pennant Tour Scotl. 1772 77 The..thief who laid the whole English borders under contribution.
1779 Mirror No. 8 It was with regret that the Editor found himself under the necessity of abridging the following letter.
1793 W. Roberts Looker-on No. 54. 427 Who have hitherto held all the seasons of the year under contribution to their praise.
1798 J. Ferriar Illustr. Sterne vi. 169 Many other books..were laid under contribution.
1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. ii. 28 If..it may afford you any consolation, under the recollection of a calamity so dreadful.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 612 (note) Wade was writing under the dread of the halter.
1851 F. Hall in Benares Mag. 5 23 The native authorities which M. de Tassy has laid under contribution for his first volume.
1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest III. xiv. 360 Harold was under the ban of Rome.
d. With reference to mental impressions: Possessed, swayed, or affected by.
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1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 313 Under amazement of their hideous change. View more context for this quotation
1683 H. Prideaux in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) 185 That you may be under noe mistake as to him.
1759 R. Jackson Hist. Rev. Pennsylvania 270 While he was under the first Impressions given him by the Governor to our Disadvantage.
1779 Mirror No. 16 A man under the impressions I have described, will be led to look into himself.
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy xlvi That Tom wouldn't hurt a fly, only ‘under a mistake’.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 662 Evidence was produced which proved that Goodenough was also under the influence of personal enmity.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) I. 395 Are you under the impression that they will be better cared for..here?
1885 Law Rep.: Chancery Div. 29 545 The Vice-Chancellor there was under a misapprehension.
e. elliptical. = Under the influence of.
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1884 H. Thompson Tumours of Bladder 95 Some phosphatic deposits, which were removed..under ether.
1889 Hardwicke's Sci.-gossip 25 220/1 A fixed oil..is obtained from the seeds by expression under heat.
1892 H. Lane Differ. Rheum. Dis. (ed. 2) 72 I have seen these cases frequently treated..under chloroform.
f. Attended by or in (conditions, circumstances, etc.) of a specified character.
ΚΠ
1894 Academy 45 94/2 He has failed to realise the diversiform conditions under which these writings came into being.
1898 P. H. Colomb Mem. Sir Astley Cooper Key Pref. vi Under war conditions his name might have stood on the roll of great admirals.
III. In senses implying that one thing is covered by, or included in, another.
16. † e. = In (a manner or fashion). Obsolete. rare.
a. Denoting that a thing is presented or observed in a certain form or aspect.See also kind n. 9a, species n. 2.
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OE Guthlac A 710 Eom ic þara twelfa sum þe he getreoweste under monnes hiw mode gelufade.
c1320 Cast. Love 657 Oþer God nis þen he þat..vnder vre wede vre kynde nom.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 189 This hympne ys spoken vnderful fayre and darke examples.
1564 J. Rastell Confut. Serm. M. Iuell f. 128 The people receiued vnder both kindes.
1586 in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1911) 9 171 At wch time vi or vii of the said company did communicate..by receaving the sacrament under one kind only.
1659 J. Pearson Expos. Apostles Creed xii. 780 Life eternall may be looked upon under three considerations; as Initiall, as Partial, and as Perfectional.
1663 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim xxxvii Bidding him to take great heed lest under the guise of this Humility..he proved unthankful for Gods favours.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 419. ¶7 When the Author represents any Passion, Appetite, Virtue or Vice, under a Visible Shape.
1713 J. Addison in Guardian 7 July 2/1 The Painter has represented his most Christian Majesty under the Figure of Jupiter.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth VIII. 26 Some insects continue under the form of an aurelia not above ten days.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. vii. 608 Under the ignominious light in which imprisonment is regarded by the Indians.
1870 J. H. Newman Ess. Gram. Assent ii. viii. 307 We must contemplate the God of our conscience as a Living Being..under the aspect of this or that attribute.
1879 E. Waterton Pietas Mariana 225 The several types under which our Ladye was represented in England.
b. With words implying a specious or deceptive appearance. Also elliptical = ‘under the pretence of’.See colour n.1 Phrases 2, cover n.1 3d, covert n. 2c, guise n. 5b, pretence n. 2, 5, 7, pretext n.1, semblant n. 2, show n.1 Phrases 1b, veil n.1 5.
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a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iii. iii. 32 Like those, that vnder hotte ardent zeale, would set whole Realmes on fire. View more context for this quotation
c. With suggestion of one thing being hidden or disguised beneath another: Beneath the form, guise, or concealment of.
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a1340 R. Rolle Psalter cxxxix. 5 Þe snare is endles pyne, þat þai hid vndire delit of syn.
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Pref. Epist. Jerome vii. (1850) 70/1 Vndir name of Nynyue, [he] tellith helthe to Gentils.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 11489 He thoght his falshed to feyne, vndur faire wordes.
1592 T. Kyd Spanish Trag. iii. sig. Gv Vnder fained iest Are things concealde that els would breed vnrest.
1723 Pres. State Russia II. 46 The Vagulitzes..have their own Language, and worship the Devil under their Idols.
1779 Mirror No. 27 A..friend of mine, whose real name I shall conceal under that of Wentworth.
1854 A. Jameson Commonpl. Bk. (1877) 1 Extreme vanity sometimes hides under the garb of ultra modesty.
1857 E. B. Pusey Real Presence i. 156 A sacramental invisible presence of the Body and Blood of Christ, under the Bread and Wine.
d. under the name (etc.) of, = by the name of. (See name n. and adj. Phrases 4.)
ΚΠ
1641–2 W. Laud Diary 20 Feb. There came a tall man to me, under the name of Mr. Hunt.
1662 in Extracts State Papers (Friends' Hist. Soc.) (1911) 2nd Ser. 150 Seuerall Persons who are under the names of Quakers and other names of separacion now in the Goales of London and Middlesex.
1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §268 The Egyptians..had..even deified her under the name of Isis.
1780 Mirror No. 80 The authors of those little essays which appear in the learned world under the title of Advertisements.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. ix. 704 Under the stile and title of a commutation, an additional window tax..was imposed.
1843 J. Pereira Treat. Food & Diet 120 Hard confectionary, sold under the names of Lozenges, Brilliants, Pipe, Rock, Comfits, Nonpareils.
1876 P. J. Van Beneden Animal Parasites & Messmates 75 Naturalists had recognized some crustaceans under the name of Ancei.
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1523 in Gentleman's Mag. (1785) ii. 939/1 I..dyd christen the same childe under this manner.
?1533 W. Tyndale Expos. Mathew v. f. xxvv With great payne they can suffre their grosse sinnes to be rebuked vnder a fassion, as in a parable.
17.
a. Denoting inclusion in a group, category, class, etc. †under (them) all, in all, altogether.
ΚΠ
c960 Æthelwold Rule St. Benet (1885) xvii. 40 Ælc [psalm] on sundron and nan under anum gloria.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 164 Þe oðer & þe feorðe [temptation] falleð under þe utter.
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 59/176 [Francis, Giles, and Bernard] and sethþe oþur þreo, So þat vnder heom alle sixe freres to-gadere weren i-brouȝt.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 6998 Þe king..ȝef al so Tueie gode maners sein swithin þer to, Þat wolde be tuenty vnder al.
1576 A. Fleming Panoplie Epist. 352 (margin) Under that word: lightening, thunder,..mysts, fogges, earthquakes, &c. are to be understoode.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. iii. 115 b The Persians..whiche went vnder the armie of Darius.
1635 E. Pagitt Christianographie (1636) i. ii. 43 Under these eight provinces all France is conteined.
a1662 P. Heylyn Cosmographie (1674) iii. 173/2 Principal Cities of the whole at this present time, under the notion of Cathay, are [etc.].
1676 Office Clerk of Assize F iij They shall speak without Oath unless the Fact be under Felony.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 21. ¶2 The rest are comprehended under the Subalterns.
1756 P. Browne Civil & Nat. Hist. Jamaica p. xxxiii I have..distributed the Species under their proper Genera.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §291 The fitting or adapting the parts of matter together, comes under no calculation in point of time.
1853 Our Coal-Fields & Coal-Pits 221 Many matters which would come under this head have already been incidentally mentioned.
1885 Times 6 Apr. 7 The owners of travelling booths and circuses come strictly under the class.
b. Denoting occurrence in a particular section or article of a literary work.
ΚΠ
1589 R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations To Rdr. sig. *4 Vnder this title thou shalt first finde the old northerne Nauigations of our Brittish Kings.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Substraction Write the less Number under the greater,..as we have directed under Addition.
1783 Encycl. Brit. X. 8307/2 Under the article Natural History, Sect. I. it is observed, that [etc.].
1823 W. Scoresby Jrnl. Voy. Northern Whale-fishery 280 The day of the present voyage under which these remarks are introduced.
1846 Penny Cycl. Suppl. II. 431 As explained under House,..it is frequently necessary [etc.].
1879 E. Waterton Pietas Mariana 221 As I have mentioned in the Series under Stowe.
c. under one adv. in one, united(ly), conjointly, together, at one time. Obsolete exc. dialect.Cf. Dutch ondereen, together, pell-mell.
ΚΠ
1596 T. Nashe Haue with you to Saffron-Walden Ep. Ded. sig. B2 v And so [I] leaue them..outright to hang draw and quarter them al vnder one.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues at Chemin Tout d'un chemin, all vnder one.
1642 D. Rogers Naaman 170 So that he seeks his owne and his Masters advantage both under one.
1657 C. Hoole tr. M. Cordier School-colloquies 105/1 Come, I pray you, and you shall sup with us all under one.
1839– in Eng. Dial. Dict. at Under 2.
d. Of figures or angles in relation to the lines determining their size.
ΚΠ
1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. ii. f. 60v Rectangle parallelogrames which are comprehended vnder equal lines are equal the one to the other.
1660 tr. I. Barrow Euclide's Elements i. 37 The angle..comprehended under those two other sides of the triangle.
1764 T. Reid Inquiry Human Mind vi. §9, in Wks. I. 147/2 The visible angle comprehended under two visible right lines.
1798 C. Hutton Course Math. II. 124 The rectangles under the sum and difference of the ordinates.
1854 L. Tomlinson tr. D. F. J. Arago Pop. Lect. Astron. 167 The angle under which we see objects.
18. With words denoting protection, care, or benevolent interest.See also auspice n. 3, protection n. 1b. To this sense may be assigned the apologetic phrases under favour (favour n. 3a), under leave, under pardon.
ΚΠ
971 Blickl. Hom. 41 Ne þurfon ge wenan þæt ge þæt orceape sellon, þæt ge under Drihtnes borh syllaþ.
c1230 Hali Meid. 7 Se seli sikernesse as ha was in, & mahte beon under Godes warde.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur viii. xxxii. 322 Thenne the Barons sente for syr Tristram vnder a sauf conduyte.
c1480 (a1400) St. Andrew 943 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 90 Vndir ȝour proteccione to luf in contemplacione.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 96v Nobill knightes all Vnder cure of two Kynges.
1550 Reg. Privy Council Scotl. I. 84 Thair is diverse assurit personis..sittis under assurance duelland within the boundes of the Merse.
1596 Raigne of Edward III sig. K1 Vnder safe conduct of the Dolphins seale. View more context for this quotation
1692 E. Walker tr. Epictetus Enchiridion xxxvii Methinks they've given enough, in that you live Under their prudent Care.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 106. ¶4 My worthy Friend has put me under the particular Care of his Butler.
1768 W. Donaldson Life Sir Bartholomew Sapskull I. x. 105 To..institute an independant academy, under the auspices of that great name.
1803 W. Scott Let. 27 Aug. (1932) I. 198 The mode of telling the story approved by the French minstrel, under the authority of his Tomas.
1844 E. B. Barrett Drama of Exile 32, in Poems I I hold that Eden is impregnable Under thy keeping.
1866 ‘G. Eliot’ Felix Holt I. i. 40 Harold had gone with the Embassy to Constantinople, under the patronage of a high relative, his mother's cousin.
1885 Law Rep.: Queen's Bench Div. 14 867 Even if the plaintiff succeeds the action may have been defended under good advice.
19.
a. Denoting a state or condition (frequently one imposed by implied circumstances).In later use common with circumstances (see circumstance n. 4) and conditions. In parenthetical phrases, as under these circumstances, the sense passes into ‘having regard to’, ‘taking account of’. For under way or under weigh see the nouns.
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 10530 Unnderr crisstenn dom. & unnderr læfe o criste.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 9 Þurrh þatt witt hafenn takenn ba. An reȝhell boc to follȝhenn. Vnnderr kanunnkess had. & lif.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 199 Assaracus heuede enne broþer þe wes under wedlac iboren.
1428 Munim. de Melros (Bannatyne Club) 519 I wes requerit..for to wytnes vnder wryt þe thyng at wes determynyt befor me in iugement.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos xxvi. 93 Thou haste deliuerde me my traytour & peruerse enmye, vnder hope of loue & benyuolence.
1564 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 276 James Barry..quha allegeit him to be undir the King of Denmarkis wageis.
1581 B. Rich Farewell Mil. Profession (1846) 58 She beyng under covert barne, your obligation is unpleadable.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. v. §1 A meer seducer was to be stoned to death under sufficient testimony.
1668 S. Pepys Diary 7 July (1976) IX. 258 Because of Fleet bridge being under rebuilding.
1689 in Acts Parl. Scotl. (1875) XII. 76/1 Such persones as he hes already put under baile.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 349. ¶7 He died under a fix'd and settled hope of Immortality.
1720 R. Welton tr. T. Alvares de Andrade Sufferings Son of God I. viii. 200 All things here are under a perpetual vicissitude and alteration.
1780 M. Madan Thelyphthora II. 61 Augustus rejected the testament of a man who died under a state of celibacy.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. vii. 607 He knew, under the sentiments which prevailed at home, by what a slender and precarious tenure he enjoyed his place.
1864 A. Bain Senses & Intellect (ed. 2) i. i. 91 The physical state of a muscle under contraction may be inferred from the details already given.
1884 H. Dunckley in Manch. Examiner 26 May 6/2 Under the ballot it is as easy to vote as to pay a morning call.
b. under trust adv. in a state of supposed safety. Obsolete exc. archaic.
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1545 in P. F. Tytler Hist. Scotl. (1864) II. 349 The Lord Maclanis fader was cruellie murdressit under traist, in his bed.
1589 R. Robinson Golden Mirrour sig. B.2v Then Mischief calde, for (treason vndertrust) Helpe now (quoth he) or els I am ore' throwen.
1609 J. Skene tr. Regiam Majestatem ii. 131 Murther..of our Soveraine Lords lieges, quhere the persone slaine is vnder the trust, credit, assurance, and power of the slayer, is treason and lese majestie. [Margin] Slauchter vnder trust.
1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor iii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. II. 59 The celebrated case of Sir Coolie Condiddle of Condiddle, who was tried for theft under trust.
20. † b. under (the) name of, = in the name of. (See name n. and adj. Phrases 2d) Obsolete.
a. Denoting participation in the authoritative or confirmatory effect of a seal, signature, etc.: Authorized, warranted, or attested by.See also hand n. Phrases 1l(b), seal n.2 1c, signet n. 1b, sign manual n. 1.
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1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 288 He kept his castels, his vitaile, his mone, Undere þe kyng seales.
a1400–50 Alexander 1845 I send to ȝowe my sawe vndir my sele wreten.
?1417 in E. Déprez Études de Diplomatique Anglaise (1908) 100 Yeven, under owr signet, atte owr castel of Touque, ye xii day of aoust.
1460 in Rec. City of Norwich (1910) II. 94 If þe cloth be tokened and founde defauty under þe tokene.
1471 in Hist. MSS Comm.: Rep. MSS Var. Coll. (1907) IV. 209 in Parl. Papers 1906 (Cd. 3218) LXIV. 1 Yeven undir oure signet at oure Paleis of Westminster the xixth day of December.
1546 T. Langley tr. P. Vergil Abridgem. Notable Worke vii. iv. 135 b Gregorie the nynth..canonised Dominicke, and by his Bulle vnder Lead, allowed him for a sainct.
1551 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 62 A warrante vnder the kinges Maiesties owne handes.
1592 in J. Morris Troubles Catholic Forefathers (1877) (modernized text) 3rd Ser. 23 And this averred by writing under all or most of his neighbours' hands.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 215 The bill of diuorce is..deliuered to the woman before three credible witnesses, vnder their hands and seales.
1687 Assur. Abby Lands 120 Altho' we have empowered thee..by divers of our Letters, as well made under-Lead as in the Form of Breves.
1765–8 J. Erskine Inst. Law Scotl. ii. v. §82 Before the union of the two crowns in 1603, all signatures passed under the King's own hand.
1838 W. Bell Dict. Law Scotl. 889 Under this seal commissions of tutory, gifts of bastardy,..are passed.
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1445 tr. Claudian's De Consulatu Stilichonis in Anglia (1905) 28 265 His shrewde seruauntis..Pretendyng evir the Kyngis title..vndir his name þe wrongid.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Zech. xiii. 3 Thou shalt dye, for thou speakest lyes vnder the name off the Lorde.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. x. 12 b [He] coyned money vnder his name.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iv. iii. 12 He does it vnder name of perfect loue. View more context for this quotation
c. Implying a statement or suggestion as to the authorship of a work.
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1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. i. §3 Who would ever undertake to prove..that Euclide was the undoubted Author of the Geometry under his name?
1712 P. Leigh Life S. Wenefride sig. A5 Altho' the mention'd Author publish'd his Tomes under the Borrow'd Names of Alford, alias Griffith.
1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 166 He inserted his compositions, under a fictitious signature, in his master's newspaper.
d. = In accordance with (some regulative power or principle).
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1779 Ann. Reg., Chron. 216/2 Numbers of them had been long supersedable, or intitled to their discharges under insolvent acts.
1867 J. A. Froude Short Stud. 1st Ser. I. 47 Under this edict..more than fifty thousand human beings..were deliberately murdered.
1874 Further Evid. Nairne Peerage 169 in Sessional Papers House of Lords (H.L. D) XII. 199 That is the lady who was examined under a commission from this House?
1884 Manch. Examiner 16 Feb. 4/6 The first contested county election under the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Act.
IV. In senses which imply falling below a certain standard or level.
21.
a. Beneath or below in point of worth or dignity.
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c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxiii. §5 Under hire selfre hio bið þonne, ðonne hio lufað þas eorðlican þing.
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxvii. §4 Hiora yfelnes awirpð hi under þa menniscan gecynd.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xvii. 40 Til þa þat ere vndire me, þat is, ill men vndire me in merit bifor god.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. 100 b This they thought a goodly prayse, although that it was farre vnder his maiestie.
1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales iii. i. 63 Tiberius and Augusta, abstained from mourning in publicke: iudging it a thing, vnder their maiestie.
b. Below the rank, standing, or level of.
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1612 B. Jonson Alchemist ii. vi. sig. F2v No, Sir, shee'll neuer mary Vnder a Knight. View more context for this quotation
1632 P. Massinger & N. Field Fatall Dowry iv. sig. H3v Fight with Romont? No, i'le not fight vnder a Lord.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine iv. vii. 123 Nothing under an Infinite, can expleat and satiate the immortall minde of man.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 122. ¶9 It was too great an Honour for any Man under a Duke.
1822 C. Lamb in London Mag. Mar. 283/1 No person, under a diviner, can..conduct a correspondence at such arm's length.
1847 L. Hunt Men, Women, & Bks. II. vii. 96 He uttered nothing under a gentility or a dulcitude.
22.
a. Below, less, or fewer than (a specified number or amount).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > small of quantity, amount, or degree [preposition] > less than
underc1380
underneath1460
below1625
c1380 J. Wyclif Last Age Church (1840) 30 Þat we ben undir þe hundrid ȝeere of .x. lettre I schewe schortly by Bede.
1530 W. Tyndale Pract. Prelates sig. Hiij The Emperours host was vnder .xx. thousande.
1557 T. North tr. A. de Guevara Diall Princes ii. xi. f. 95v There was a lawe amongeste them, that no man should marye under three wiues.
1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons 6 b In case they should compose smaller bands of 300 to an Ensigne, or vnder that number.
1603 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero Hist. Descr. Worlde 154 They receiue, some 1000. some 80. rubles a yeare, none vnder 70.
1664 P. Henry Diaries & Lett. (1882) 155 That interdict lasted under 5. yeares.
1680 R. L'Estrange tr. Erasmus 20 Select Colloquies xii. 164 Sometimes Ten; sometimes Twelve; but never under Six.
1745 H. Walpole Lett. (1857) I. 406 Repeated accounts make them under five thousand.
1800 W. Wordsworth in W. Wordsworth & S. T. Coleridge Lyrical Ballads II. 91 Under half-a-crown, What a man finds is all his own.
1832 T. B. Macaulay in G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay (1876) I. 287 The voters are under 4,000 in number.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. 624 The weight..proved to be under one hundred and fourteen thousand ounces.
b.
(a) Below, not having attained to (a specified age).
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c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) xxvii. 278 The faireste Damyseles, that myghte ben founde undir the Age of 15 Zere.
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Minor Vnder .xxv. yeres of age.
?c1570–4 Bp. R. Cox Injunctions in 2nd Rep. Commissioners Rubrics, Orders, & Directions Public Worship App. E. 406/2 in Parl. Papers 1867–8 (1868) XXXVIII. 1 Their chyldren and seruauntes..beyng of sixe yeres of age, and vnder twentie.
1658 J. Harrington tr. Pliny in Prerogative Pop. Govt. ii. ii. 14 It is Provided..that no Man under Thirty years of Age be capable of Magistracy.
1692 O. Walker Greek & Rom. Hist. 9 Then was Augustus under nineteen years old.
1729 G. Jacob New Law-dict. Nonage,..is all the Time of a Person's being under the Age of One and twenty; and, in a special Sense, where one is under Fourteen, as to Marriage, &c.
1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. II. 247 He is under fifty-seven.
1885 Law Rep.: Probate Div. 10 189 Till the child should attain twenty-one, or die under that age.
(b) Hence prefixed to a number and used as a n. plural (usually with the) to denote the class of persons who have not yet attained that particular age. Cf. over- prefix 1m(b).
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1937 E. Garnett Family from One End St. v. 98 John was hopping along..in a sack race for ‘under tens’.
1939 E. R. Boyce Infant School Activities 201 As much provision as possible should be made for the sort of period suggested for the ‘under-fives’.
1941 Manch. Guardian Weekly 14 Mar. 214/3 Material descriptive of conditions at present governing the lives of under-twenties (cross-sectional).
1953 K. Tennant Joyful Condemned xii. 100 He added her to the other two under-sixteens, Else and Violet.
1968 Catholic Herald 15 Mar. 12/5 The Cenacle, Grayshott... Retreat for the Under Thirties.
1973 M. Amis Rachel Papers 153 But then, you see, we did the sort of lyrically zany thing that the under-twenties do fairly often.
c. At or for a less sum or lower price than (that specified).
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c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 107 ‘Thou scapst not here,’ quod he, ‘under ij. pence’.
1496 Act 12 Hen. VII c. 6 They be sold far under the Price that they be worth.
1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. M1 You will not sell a sermon vnder a roiall, or a noble.
1592 Arden of Feversham ii. ii. 76 But, were my consent to giue againe, we would not do it vnder ten pound more.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 362. ⁋1 They can have no advice for him under a Guinea.
1733 J. Tull Horse-hoing Husbandry xi. 65 Wheat was under Three Shillings a Bushel.
1831 G. P. R. James Philip Augustus III. i I should suppose they would never free a knight of his renown under a ransom of ten thousand crowns.
d. In less time than (that specified).
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1632 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Eromena 114 Great Fleets, which cannot be rigg'd under a great deale of time.
1639 W. Mountagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 280 We..can get none, neither can any be made under three weeks' time.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 102. ¶4 Flirts and Vibrations [of the Fan]..that are seldom learned under a Month's Practice.
1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture I. 29 Cato advises to dig the Stone in Summer.., and not to use it under two Years.
1728 H. Fielding Love in Several Masques i. v. 12 I shall hardly reduce it to any tolerable Consistency under a Fortnight's Course of Acids.
e. With less than; of less size, depth, etc., than.
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1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 321/2 For commonly he neuer rode vnder a 1500. horses of Chaplaynes, Priestes, and other seruyng men waytyng vpon hym.
1702 Eng. Theophrastus 15 They will scarce believe that two and two make four, under a demonstration from Euclid.
1719–20 J. Swift Let. to Young Gentleman (1721) 18 I remember several young Men in this Town, who could never leave the Pulpit under half a dozen Conceits.
1795 Act 35 Geo. III c. 20 Sch. A Ufers..under eight Inches square.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Hand-lead, a small lead..for sounding in rivers or harbours under 20 fathoms.
1883 Rep. Channel Tunnel Comm. App. Case li. 546 Barbarous orders..to sink every Spanish ship under 100 tons.
f. elliptical, esp. in and under, or under, placed after statements of size, price, etc.
ΚΠ
1482 in Eng. Hist. Rev. XXV. 122 The firste and leeste soorte is of vj. ynchesse in lenghte and vndre.
1495 Act 11 Hen. VII c. 61 §1 To lette and demyse fermes ther for the terme of vij yere and undir.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. ii. f. iij All the chyldren.., as many as were two yere olde and vnder.
1576 Act 18 Eliz. c. 6 In good Wheate after vjs. viijd. the Quarter or under.
c1580 in Eng. Hist. Rev. July (1914) 521 Yf you will by 100 Ballettes of woade together they will asshewre it to be good; yf you by under you shall bye it at your owne adventure.
1644 G. Plattes in S. Hartlib Legacy (1655) 211 When Barley is at two shillings the bushel, or under.
1670 in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 15 Courser [hangings]..your Honour may be served with from Flanders, att 18s. per stick or under.
1708 London Gaz. No. 4422/7 The Commodore appear'd to be a Ship of 50 Guns,..and the rest of 20 and under.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XVII. 432/1 Courses and topsails..for 44 gun ships and under.
1803 T. Beddoes Hygëia III. xi. 40 Dr. C...estimates the infecting distance of patients in the plague at a foot or under.
1911 Jacques in 36th Prov. Meeting Law Soc. 263 Leaving property worth only £500 or under.
23.
a. under age (or †years), below the (legal) age of majority.
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1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. x. sig. Y5 Three sonnes he dying left, all vnder age.
1603 G. Owen Descr. Penbrokshire (1892) 22 William, who was then onder age.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 274 The Lords of Eriskin..vse to haue the keeping of the Prince of Scotland, being vnder yeeres.
1632 R. Sherwood Dict. in R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues (new ed.) Under-yeares, mineur, en bas age.
1765–8 J. Erskine Inst. Law Scotl. i. vii. §1 But minority..includes all under age, whether pupils or puberes.
1821 J. Keats Cap & Bells xxi This was his page,..Sent as a present, while yet under age, From the Viceroy of Zanguebar.
1843 Jarman Wills (1881) I. xiv. 446 Under the old law..personalty was..disposable by the will of a person under age.
b. Below (a certain standard).See also mark n.1 12c, par n.1 3b, proof n. 10.
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1615 W. Lawson Country Housewifes Garden (1623) 30 Your graffe..will grow but to small purpose,..and lightly it will be vnder growth.
1661 I. Walton Compl. Angler (ed. 3) ii. 52 So many Nets and Fish, that are under the Statute size.
1748 H. Ellis Voy. Hudson's-Bay 175 All the Liquors under the Proof of common Spirits, freeze to a State perfectly solid.
1799 S. T. Coleridge Lett. (1895) 271 The frost..was 20 degrees under the freezing point.
1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan I. 364 Poor fatty! you know he's rather under par.
1857 W. A. Miller Elements Chem. III. 121 If the spirit burned off and left the powder damp, it was considered under proof.
1875 E. C. Stedman Victorian Poets (ed. 13) 275 The statement of Bulwer's preface is under the truth.
c. under (one's) breath, in a low voice, in a whisper.
ΚΠ
1832 E. Bulwer-Lytton Eugene Aram I. i. iii. 59 ‘Hush!’ said Ellinor under her breath.
1883 R. Whitelaw tr. Sophocles Oedipus at Colonus in Sophocles Transl. into Eng. Verse 489 Pray, under breath, not lifting up thy voice.
1898 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Roden's Corner xv. 155 ‘Oh, hang!’ she added,..under her breath.
V. Without sense of relative position or status.† 24. Among. Obsolete. rare.† 25. † b. With demonstrative pronouns: During this or that time; meantime, meanwhile. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c893 tr. Orosius Hist. iv. x. 196 Þa ne mehton þa senatus nænne consul under him findan þe dorste on Ispanie..gefaran.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 460 Wet speke ȝe kempen. Vnðer [read Vnder] eou alle?
a. During; in the time of. Obsolete.Also Scottish. †under ane time, at the same time.
ΚΠ
c893 tr. Orosius Hist. i. x. 46 Þa under þæm gewinne hie genamon friþ wið þa wæpnedmen.
971 Blickl. Hom. 35 Þæt we sceolan under þæm feowertigeoþan gerime..syllan þone teoþan dæl ure worldspeda.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 15989 Vnder þissen uare-coste he sumnede ferde. of alle þane monne þat he bi-ȝeten mihte.
c1425 Eng. Conq. Ireland 8 Vnder that tyme, Robert Steunes-son hym dyght to wend in-to Irland.
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. i. ix. 51 Legatis war send on athir side vnder ane tyme desiring redres of all displeseris.
1597 J. Payne Royall Exchange 5 Now ys the tyme vnder lyfe to help one another; but when..breathe ys gon, neyther angells nor Apostles can geve any help.
c1650 J. Spalding Memorialls Trubles Scotl. & Eng. (1851) II. 396 Wnder speiking this Williame Forbes schootis the gentilman with ane pistoll deid.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. vi. §8 Not that these things should really be under Gospell times.
ΚΠ
c893 tr. Orosius Hist. ii. ii. 66 He..him gehet ðæt he his rice wið hiene dælan wolde, & hiene under ðæm ofslog.
a900 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Parker MS.) ann. 876 Hie þa under þam hie nihtes bestælon..into Escanceaster.
a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1046 Ða wearð hit under þam þet þam cynge com word [etc.].
a1225 Leg. Kath. 1858 Under þis com þe þurs Maxence..aȝein to his kineburh.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 4817 Vnder þan comen tiðende.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 3207 Wnder [c1300 Otho Onder] þon hær com tidinde.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 2503 Þer come out of germaynie vnder þat..ssipes eiȝtetene.
a1300 Floriz & Bl. 635 The children awoken under thon.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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also refers to : under-prefix1
also refers to : under-prefix2
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n.1600
adj.a1300
v.?1504
adv.a900
prep.c825see also