v. Obs. [f. SUB- + ORDAIN, partly after med.L. subordināre to SUBORDINATE.]
1. [SUB- 26.] trans. To appoint in place of another.
1600. Holland, Livy, XXXI. I. 804. In his place M. Acilius Glabrio was subordained [L. suffectus]. Ibid., XLI. xxi. 1109. Augures were subordained [L. suffecti sunt].
2. [SUB- 8.] To appoint to a subordinate position.
1602. J. Davies (Heref.), Mirum in Modum (1878), 24/2. That Powre omnipotent, That Nature subordain’d, chiefe Gouernour, Of fading Creatures.
1602. Dolman, La Primaud. Fr. Acad. (1618), III. 661. The first cause, through vertue whereof, the rest subordained vnder it do work.
3. To make subordinate or subject.
a. 1617. Bayne, On Eph. (1643), 274. These may be subordeyned one to another.
1633. D. R[ogers], Treat. Sacr., i. 16. The Covenant of obedience is subordeined to the covenant of grace.
4. To promulgate (an order) by a subordinate authority.
1654. Earl Monm., trans. Bentivoglio’s Wars Flanders, 154. No Order could issue forth from him, which was not to be subordained by the Councel of State.
