Down or lower in fortune, station, dignity, rank, or quality. archaic.

In a poor or unfortunate condition; humbly, meekly. Also: on a poor or basic diet.

With reference to social status, class, etc.: humbly, basely.

With born (cf. baseborn, adj. I.): (a) into a low social class, in a humble rank of life; (b) out of wedlock, illegitimately. Now chiefly historical.

above (or below, beneath, under) the salt: at the upper (or lower) part of the table, i.e. among the more honoured (or less honoured) guests.