a. Also 8–9 -lifed. [f. LOW a. + live-, LIFE + -ED2.] Of persons: Living a low life; vulgar, mean. Hence of actions, expressions, etc.

1

1760.  C. Johnston, Chrysal (1822), I. 155. She could not think of letting any common low-lived fellow come near her. Ibid., III. 177. How can you take delight in such a low-lived trick?

2

1766.  Goldsm., Vic. W., xi. Your Ladyship should except … your own things in the Lady’s Magazine. I hope you’ll say there’s nothing low-lived there?

3

1781.  J. Ripley, Sel. Orig. Let., 77. The low-lifed fellow who wrote this letter.

4

1836–48.  B. B. Walsh, Aristoph., 46, note. Aristophanes is … unmerciful upon low-lived, vulgar people.

5

1882.  Fr. A. Kemble, Later Life, I. 82. An ignoble, low-lived expression occasionally startled … one, on a countenance noble and intellectual.

6