Forms: 1– under (3 Orm. unnderr), 3–7 vnder (5–7 wnder), 4–5 vndere, undere (undre), vndire, 4–6 vn-, wn-, undir, 4–5 vn-, undur, 4–5 vndyr (5 hun-, 6 wn-); 4 vnþer, 5 vnther, vnþur; 4–6, 7 Sc., onder (4 honder), 5 ondre, ondyr, 5–6 ondir; 5 onþer, onther; Sc. 8 oner, 9 oonder, oon’er, unner. [Common Teutonic: OE. under, = OFris. under, onder (WFris. ûnder, onder, NFris. onner, önner), OLFr. under, undir (MDu. and Du. onder), OS. undar (MLG. under, LG. under, unner), OHG. untar, untir, undar, undir (MHG. and G. unter), ON. and Icel. undir (Norw., Sw., Da. under), Goth. undar. The stem is regarded as identical with that of Skr. ádharas lower, inferior (adhamás lowest, adhás below, down), and L. infrā.]
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: a. The heavens or heavenly bodies. (See also HEAVEN sb. 1, SUN sb. 1 e, COPE sb.1 7, CANOPY sb. 2 b.)
Beowulf, 8. He … weox under wolcnum. Ibid., 51. Hæleð under heofenum.
a. 900. Cynewulf, Elene, 13 (Gr.). Æðelinges weox rice under roderum.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Gen. i. 7. Þa wæteru þe wæron under þære fastnisse.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 151. Ure drihten him solf … seide þet under houene ne [wes] nan his ilike.
c. 1205–. [see SUN sb. 1 e].
1340–70. Alex. & Dind., 219. We weren tauht … Þat non haþel vndur heuene so holi is founde.
a. 1400–50. Alexander, 247. Þare enhabetis in þat erd … Þe wisest wees in þis werd þe welken vndire.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 3873. Was neuer kyng vnder cloude his knightes more louet.
1458. Agnes Paston, in P. Lett., I. 423. The blyssyng of all seyntes undir heven.
a. 1542. Wyatt, in Tottel’s Misc. (Arb.), 64. Thinke not alone vnder the sunne Vnquit to cause thy louers plaine.
1555. [see FIRMAMENT 1].
1609. Bible (Douay), Deut. xxix. 20. Our Lord abolish his name vnder heauen.
1644. Milton, 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.
1712. Berkeley, Pass. Obed., Wks. 1871, III. 108. In every kingdom or society of men under heaven.
1766. Goldsm., Vicar, xiv. The greatest rascal under the canopy of heaven.
1821. Wordsw., Three Cottage Girls, 56. Gay vision under sullen skies!
1885. Manch. Exam., 29 June, 5/3. They rush off immediately … and bathe under a hot and broiling sun.
† b. The Deity as dwelling in heaven. Obs.
c. 1205. Lay., 27976. Neoðeles heo auered weoren … þat nusten heo under criste nenne ræd godne.
c. 1320. Cast. Love, 225. Þat vche þing vnder heuene-driht So muche les of strengþe and miht.
c. 1400. 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.
c. 1391. Chaucer, Astrol., I. § 21. Whan the planetes ben vnder thilke signes, þei causen vs … effectes lik to the operaciouns of bestes.
c. 1400. [see PLANET sb.1 1 b].
1432–50. [see POLE sb.2 1].
c. 1450. Holland, Howlat, 31. Under the Cirkill solar thir sauorus seidis War nurist be dame Natur.
1559. W. Cunningham, Cosmogr. Glasse, 82. There be some that suppose … Paradise to be situated under th’ Equinoctiall.
1590. Spenser, F. Q., III. iii. 6. The learned Merlin well could tell, Vnder what coast of heauen the man did dwell.
1611. R. Johnson, Kingd. & Commw., 437. Authours affirme, that vnder the very pole lyeth a black and high rocke.
1634. Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 186. This day we were under nine degrees fifteene minutes North.
1679. Moxon, Math. Dict., 162. Under the Sun Beams.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Current, Under the Equator, where the Motion of the Earth is the greatest.
1783. Justamond, trans. Raynal’s Hist. Indies (ed. 3), I. 3. A man living under the equator or under the pole.
d. The stars as having influence on persons.
1583. Stubbes, Anat. Abus., II. I. 4. Whether all the host of Pharao were borne vnder one and the same starre and planet.
1590. Spenser, F. Q., II. ii. 2. Ah lucklesse babe, borne vnder cruell starre.
1601. [see STAR sb. 3].
a. 1715. Burnet, 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. Scott, Quentin D., xii. This … youth has his destiny under the same constellation with mine.
1837. [see PLANET sb.1 1 b].
2. With reference to the surface of the earth or water. (Cf. UNDERGROUND adv.)
In early use without the before the noun.
Beowulf, 1656. Ic þæt unsofte ealdre ʓediʓde, wiʓʓe under wætere. Ibid., 2415. Goldmaðmas heold eald under eorðan.
a. 900. Cynewulf, Elene, 218 (Gr.). Hwær se wuldres beam haliʓ under hrusan hyded wære.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 1079. Þe bodi moght he nan-gat hide, For vnder erth most it not rest.
c. 1330. R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 2068. He dide hure kepe Vnder erthe in a seler depe.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., VI. ii. (Bodl. MS.). He is iputte aside and iberied vndur þe erthe.
c. 1400. Gamelyn, 68. A-none as he was dede and vnder gras grave.
1477. Earl Rivers (Caxton), Dictes, 22. But nowe they may not be perceyued for they ar hidde vnther the erthe.
c. 1511. 1st Eng. Bk. Amer., Introd. (Arb.), 28/1. There dwellyng is vnder the erthe.
1530. Palsgr., 328/1. Under the grounde, soubzterraine.
1555. Eden, Decades (Arb.), 142. They had certeyne dyuers or fysshers exercised … in swymmynge vnder the water.
1601. Holland, Pliny, II. 408. Anon it is swallowed up within a hole under the ground.
1721. [see TURF sb.1 2].
1790. [see EARTH sb.1 2].
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), V. 21. In cases of copyholds, a lord may have a right under the soil of the copyholder.
1880. R. M. Ballantyne (title), Under the Waves; or, Diving in Deep Waters.
3. With words denoting natural or artificial structures or means of shelter; freq. = beneath the cover or shelter of.
See also GLASS sb.1 3 b, HATCH sb.1 3, 4, ROOF sb. 1 b. For examples with abstract terms see COVER sb.1 3 c, COVERT sb. 2 c, SHADE sb. 8, UMBRAGE sb. 2 b.
a. 900. Cynewulf, Elene, 653 (Gr.). ʓe þa byrʓenna under stanhleoðum … on ʓewritu setton.
971. Blickl. Hom., 209. Under þæm stane wæs niccra eardung & wearʓa.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Gen. xxi. 15. Heo þa alede þone sunu under sumum treowe.
a. 1310. in Wright, Lyric P., xiii. 44. Wormes woweth under cloude [= clod].
1338. R. Brunne, 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.
c. 1374. Chaucer, Anel. & Arc., 19. Thow … Syngest with voice memorial in þe shade Vndir the laurier.
c. 1400. Maundev. (Roxb.), iii. 9. Vnder þe stages er stables.
1422. Yong, trans. Secreta Secret., 192. Lik as a man ne restith not well vndir a dropping hous.
c. 1470. Golagros & Gaw., 356. Thus with trety ye cast yon trew vndre tyld.
1508. Dunbar, Tua Mariit Wemen, 11. I hard, vnder ane holyn…, Ane hie speiche at my hand.
1571. Campion, Hist. Irel., II. ix. (1633), 115. You are served under a Canopy.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., 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. Extr. St. Papers Friends, Ser. II. (1911), 148. These Anabaptist … meete … privately vnder hedges at vnseasonable houres in the night.
1693. Humours Town, 43. If they had kept under their own Vine in the Country.
1711. Steele, Spect., 82, ¶ 1. Passing under Ludgate the other Day, I heard a Voice bawling for Charity.
1761. Mrs. F. Sheridan, Sidney Bidulph, I. 319. 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., XXVIII. 649. Under this canopy was the coffin.
1891. Farrar, Darkn. & Dawn, lxiv. They reached the green level under the trees.
fig. 1711. Spect., No. 67, ¶ 5. I love to shelter my self under the Examples of Great Men.
b. Sc. With reference to the cover or shelter of darkness. Under night, during the night, by night.
Under cloud of night: see CLOUD sb. 9.
1434. Extr. Aberd. Reg. (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. Kennedie, Flyting w. Dunbar, 428. And ondir nycht quhyle stall thou staggis & stirkis.
1567. Reg. Privy Council Scot., I. 592. The said Oliver … come to the said Androis dwelling hous … under silence of nycht.
1725. Ramsay, Gentle Sheph., II. iii. He brought east the howdy under night.
1730. T. Boston, Mem., xi. (1899), 371. Under night we lost the way again.
1824. Mactaggart, Gallovid. Encycl., 450. To sing undernight for ‘bawbees’ in the large towns on their way.
1844. Stephens, Bk. Farm, I. 129. Some mares … are known to drop their foals under night in the stable.
4. In general use.
In some phrases with development of figurative senses: see FOOT sb. 33, NOSE sb. 7 b, ROSE sb. 7, WING sb. Under metal: see METAL sb. 7. In quot. 1553 the reference is app. to relative position on the map.
c. 825. Vesp. Ps. ix. 28. Under tungan his [bioð] ʓewin & sar.
c. 950. Lindisf. Gosp., Mark iv. 21. Hueðer cuom leht-fæt … þætte under mitta … ʓesetted bið vel under bed.
a. 1000. Kent. Gloss., in Wr.-Wülcker, 82. Sub ascella sua, under his oxne.
a. 1250. Owl & Night., 86. Þe were icundere to one frogge Þat sit at Mulne vnder cogge.
c. 1320. Sir Tristr., 1947. A siue he fond tite And bond vnder his fete.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Knt.’s T., 1727. And in that selue moment Palamon Is vnder Venus Estward in the place.
a. 1400. Octouian, 1851. I fond my chyld lye yn oo place, Onther a lyone … With whelpys tweyne.
c. 1430. Art of Nombryng (E.E.T.S.), 15. Therfor vnder the last in an od place sette me most fynde a digit.
1508. Kennedie, Flyting w. Dunbar, 364. Thou wald be fayn to gnaw,… Wnder my burd, smoch banis behynd doggis bakkis.
1523. Fitzherb., Husb., § 27. If it be a newe house, they thacke it vnder theyr fote.
1553. Eden, Treat. New Ind. (Arb.), 8. The sitantion of the cytie of Saba in Ethiopia vnder Egipt.
1669. Sturmy, Mariner’s Mag., V. xii. 72. If the said Work be under the Platform, Substract the Difference found by your Quadrant.
1683. Moxon, Mech. Exerc., Printing, xi. ¶ 23. The Stoking-hole lying far under the Caldron.
1727. Bailey (vol. II.), To Chuck one under the Chin.
1762. Mills, Syst. Pract. Husb., I. 265. The share will be more inclined … if the wedge under the beam is loosened.
1815. J. Smith, Panorama Sc. & Art, II. 525. Here the bracket … denotes, that these two substances … form the compound written under it.
1862. Thackeray, Philip, xxvii. Those scratches or dashes under her words, by which some ladies are accustomed to point their satire.
1888. ‘J. S. Winter,’ Bootle’s Childr., vii. 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, or of a ship to a person on board.
a. 900. Cynewulf, Elene, 1192 (Gr.). Þs cyninges sceal mearh under modeʓum midlum ʓeweorðod.
1338. R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 183. Fightand on a gate, vndir him þei slouh his stede.
1485. Caxton, Chas. Gt., 210. Also that same day the hors of charles was slayn under hym.
1709. Steele, Tatler, No. 17, ¶ 4. My Lord Galway had his Horse shot under him in this Action.
1720. De Foe, Capt. Singleton, iii. (1840), 46. We might have some better vessels under us.
1795. Ann. Reg., Hist., 30. Three horses were killed under him.
1806. A. Duncan, Nelson, 15. His ship sunk under him.
1891. Penny Cycl., XXI. 492/1. Having had a horse shot under him.
1921. T. T. Belote, in DAR Mag., LV, No. 9, Sept., 492. On September 13th of the same year [1777] he was presented with a horse by Act of Congress in recognition of his gallantry during the battle of the Brandywine, when he had his own mount shot under him.
c. = At a point just below (a part of the body).
c. 1275. Passion of our Lord, 388, in O. E. Misc., 48. Seþþe hi knowede and seyde, hayl gywene king, and smyten vnder þat ere, ne sparede hi no þing.
c. 1400. Rom. Rose, 2097. He touchide me Vndir the side full softly.
c. 1475. Rauf Coilȝear, 150. He … hit him vnder the eir with his richt hand.
1539. Bible, 2 Sam. iii. 27. Joab … smote hym vnder ye short rybbes yt he dyed.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., III. x. 86. Breaches … gathered and made fast vnder the knee.
1604. Shaks., Oth., I. ii. 5. Nine, or ten times I had thought t’ haue yerk’d him here vnder the Ribbes.
1611–. [see FIFTH a. 1 a].
1653. Urquhart, Rabelais, I. xxvii. 128. With a sound bounce under the hollow of their short ribs, he overturned their stomachs.
1886. Elworthy, W. Somerset Word-bk., 500. I’ll gi thee a nap under the ear.
d. Denoting position between the arm, etc., and the body.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. XV. 119. A peyre bedes in her hande and a boke vnder her arme.
c. 1480. Henryson, Fables, Lion & Mouse, 37. Ane Roll of paper in his hand he bair; Ane Swannis pen stikand vnder his eir.
1485. in Yorkshire Deeds (1909), 3. Lawrence … brought with him a small coferet under his arme and bar it hens.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., IV. vii. 24. And now he her away with him did beare Vnder his arme.
1602. 2nd Pt. Return fr. Parnass., Prol., Stage Direction. Stagekeeper carrieth the boy away vnder his arme.
1721. Kelly, Scot. Prov., 319. She is welcome that brings some Present under her Arm.
1820. Keats, Cap & Bells, lxviii. Under one arm the magic book he bore.
c. 1850. Arab. Nts. (Rtldg.), 741. She shut the box, put it under her arm, and returned to the house.
e. Passing into the sense of ‘in.’
1812. Sir H. Davy, Chem. Philos., 285. It may be purified by … passing it under water through shamois leather.
1827. Faraday, Chem. Manip., xv. (1842), 343. The transference of gas from vessel to vessel under mercury.
1855. Orr’s Circ. Sci., Inorg. Nat., 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 ME. esp. in conventional phrases.)
Beowulf, 342. Word æfter spræc, heard under helme. Ibid., 1163. Þa cwom Wealhþeo forð gan under gyldnum beaʓe.
a. 1310. in Wright, Lyric P., xvi. 52. With browen blysfol under.
c. 1400. Emare, 303. Ther was noþer olde ny ȝynge, That kowþe stynte of wepynge, For þat comely vnþer kelle.
1508. Dunbar, Poems, iv. 22. He takis the knythis in to feild, Anarmit vnder helme & scheild. Ibid., v. 4. Scho wes like a caldrone cruke cler vnder kellis.
1550. [see HOOD sb. 7].
1667. Milton, P. L., III. 640. Under a Coronet his flowing haire In curles on either cheek plaid.
1825. Bentham, Offic. Apt. Maximized, Indic. (1830), 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. Thackeray, Eng. Hum., i. 17. What small men they must have seemed under these enormous periwigs.
b. To something carried or raised above the head, as a standard, etc. Hence in pregnant sense, denoting military service, nationality, etc.
Beowulf, 1205. Siðþan he under seʓne sinc ealʓode.
c. 1500. [see STANDARD sb. 1 b].
1517. Reg. Privy Seal Scotl., I. 451/1. William Turnbule … deit under umquhile our soverane lordis baner.
a. 1548. Hall, Chron., Edw. IV., 243. Therle of Northumberlande, vnder whose standerd were … sixe thousande and seuen .c. men.
1552. [see BANNER sb.1 1 b].
1596. Dalrymple, trans. Leslie’s Hist. Scot. (S.T.S.), I. 277. Wndir this croce, scotis men ar sure.
1611. Cotgr., s.v. Subhastation, The auncient Romans vsed … to hold their Outcries [= auctions] vnder a kind of speare, or iauelin.
1667. Milton, P. L., VI. 533. Him soon they met Under spred Ensignes moving nigh.
1725. De Foe, Voy. round World (1840), 213. A small frigate-built vessel, under Spanish Colours.
1750. Beawes, Lex Mercat. (1752), 9. Very soon all the commerce of those parts was only carried on under French colours.
1769. [see BANNER sb.1 1].
1851. [see STANDARD sb.1 1 b].
1869. in Cornh. 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. Naut. Of ships, with reference to the sails, etc.
c. 893, 1508–. [see SAIL sb.1 3 d].
1669. Sturmy, Mariner’s Mag., I. ii. 17. Thus have you the Ship a trije under a Mizen. Ibid., 18. Thus you have the Ship … steering under all her Canvas.
1707. Lond. Gaz., No. 4380/3. The Firebrand … forc’d in under a Fore-course for the Light of St. Agnes.
1719. D’Urfey, Pills, III. 306. She lies a try under her Mizen.
1780. Coxe, Russ. Disc., 130. Drove 24 hours under bare poles.
1840. R. H. Dana, Bef. Mast, ix. 22. A large ship under top-gallant sails.
1885. Law Times’ Rep., LIII. 54/1. The J. M. Stevens was proceeding under all sail close-hauled on the port tack.
6. With reference to something that covers, clothes, envelops, or conceals; passing into the sense of ‘within.’
In ME. freq. in phrases: see quots. and GORE sb.2 2, LACE sb. 3, LINE sb.1 2 b. SHIELD sb. 1 b. Under arms (see ARM sb.2 5) is prob. an extension of this sense. For the fig. sense of under a cloud see CLOUD sb. 10 b. Under water (= flooded): see WATER sb.
Beowulf, 1209. He under rande ʓecranc.
a. 1122. O. E. Chron. (Laud MS.), an. 688. He syððan … forðferde … under Cristes claðum.
a. 1225. Leg. Kath., 809. Schome ow is to schuderin lengre under schelde.
1382. Wyclif, Jude i. 6. Sothliche aungels … he reseruede … in euerelastinge boondis vndir derknesse.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Frankl. T., 381. Þis matere … Vnder his brest he baar it moore secree Than euere dide Pamphilus for Galathee.
c. 1400. Emare, 250. Then sayde þat wordy vnþer wede. Ibid., 501. That semely vnþer serke.
c. 1402. Lydg., Compl. Bl. Knt., 64. I sawe ther Daphne closed under rynde.
c. 1450. Holland, Howlat, 82. That is the plesant Pacok … Constant and kirklyk vnder his cler cape.
1579. W. Wilkinson, Confut. Fam. Love, Ep. Ded. *ij b. While the watchmen slept, many … vnder Lambes skinnes craftely crept into the sheepfold.
1599. Greene, Orpharion, Wks. (Grosart), XII. 33. And vnder a faire face resteth a faithfull hart.
1621. T. Williamson, trans. Goulart’s Wise Vieillard, 26. Our life may be compared to … the Moone,… often ecclipsed and vnder a cloud.
1775. Franklin, Lett., in Europ. Mag. (1804), XLV. 349/2. Please to send your letters to him, under cover, directed to Mr. Alderman Lee.
1791. Cowper, Odyssey, VII. 357. There, under wither’d leaves, forlorn, I slept All the long night.
1798, 1804. [see COVER sb.1 2 d].
1817. Bowdich, Mission to Ashantee, ix. 375. It proceeds by ulcerating under the skin.
1859. Habits of Gd. Society, 50. If you do not wear silk stockings under your boots.
1872. Routledge’s Ev. Boy’s Ann., 185/2. All addressed … to him under cover to the agents of his regiment.
fig. 1500–20. Dunbar, Poems, xiii. 5. I tell ȝow this vndir confessioun.
b. Denoting the relationship of land to crops grown, or animals reared, on it: Planted, sowed, or stocked with; used for growing or rearing.
(a) 1569. Reg. Privy Council Scot., I. 676. Peciabill possessioun of the landis and stedingis of Cullard and Conege, under crop as it is.
1795. Vancouver, Agric. Essex, 53. The marshes which were formerly under grass, are now very generally under the plough.
1806. [see CROP sb. 8 b].
1845. Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc., VI. II. 524. I put the ground … under early potatoes. Ibid. (1868), Ser. II. IV. II. 322. This field has been laid under grass.
1890. Stanley, Darkest Africa, I. x. 232. The Manyuema had … five acres under rice, and as many under beans.
(b) 1799. [A. Young], Agric. Lincoln, 194. [The pasture] that had been under sheep [was] so greatly superior.
1891. Pall Mall G., 24 Aug., 2/2. Again, in Ross-shire, the area under deer has advanced … to a little more than one-half.
7. 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 sb.1 1, SHELTER sb. 2. Under the wind: see WIND sb.
Beowulf, 211. Flota wæs on yðum, þat under beorʓe. Ibid., 710. Ða com of more under misthleoþum Grendel gongan.
971. Blickl. Hom., 211. Þæt water wæs sweart under þæm clife neoðan.
c. 1205. Lay., 27163. Þa he com in ane dale vnder ane dune, þer he gon at-stonden.
c. 1305. Judas Iscariot, 70, in E. E. P. (1862), 109. So þat þis tuei schrewen … Adai ȝeode alone pleye vnder an orchard.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Knt.’s T., 1123. And dounward from an hille vnder a bente Ther stood the temple of Mars Armypotente.
1387. Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), V. 329. Þat ryver renneþ under the citee of Wygan.
c. 1402. Lydg., Compl. Bl. Knt., 77. I sawe a litel weile, That had his course … Under a hille.
1495. Cov. Leet Bk., 563. Such grounde as the seid Maister had vnder the parke syde.
a. 1548. Hall, Chron., Edw. IV., 201. So vnder a wooddes side, thei couertly espied them passe forward.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., II. i. 31 b. [We lay] seuen daies vnder the castle and fortresse called Capsali. Ibid., II. x. 44 b. The castle,… vnder which lieth a vallie very fertile.
1600. 1st Pt. Sir J. Oldcastle, IV. iv. 75. Hard vnder Islington wait you my comming.
1662. Stillingfl., Orig. Sacræ., III. iv. § 12. That part of Thessaly which lyes under the mountains Ossa and Olympus.
1720. De Foe, Capt. Singleton, xi. (1840), 185. We were obliged to come to an anchor under a little island.
1751. Labelye, Westm. Bridge, 28. The Carpenters began to make and erect, under the Surry Shore, 12 Frames of Timber.
1806. Gazetteer Scotl. (ed. 2), 402/2. Under the rock where the fowls build they row their boat.
1840. Alison, Hist. Eur., VIII. lxii. 365. Seeking refuge under any projecting ground from the intolerable musketry.
1842. Loudon, Suburban Hort., 625. Either in the open garden,… or under a wall.
b. In military and naval use.
1677. Lond. 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. Ibid. (1710), No. 4731/2. The Duke of Anjou was encamped … under the Cannon of Lerida.
1805. in Nicolas, Disp. Nelson (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.
Beowulf, 403. Þa secg wisode under Heorotes hrof. Ibid., 820. Scolde Grendel þonan … fleon under fenhleoðu.
c. 888. K. Ælfred, Boeth., xxxix. § 3. Hwa ne wundrað ðæs þæt sume steorran ʓewitað under þa sæ.
c. 1000. Ags. Gosp., Luke vii. 6. Ne eom ic wyrðe þæt ðu ga under mine þecene.
c. 1200. Ormin, 1551. And þurrh þatt tatt tu fullhtnesst hemm & unnderr waterr dippesst.
c. 1205. Lay., 8406. Tweien scalkes … scriðen under bordes & skirmden mid mæine.
13[?]. E. E. Allit. P., C. 179. A lodes-mon lyȝtly lep vnder hachches.
1382. Wyclif, Luke vii. 6. I am not worthi, that thou entre vndir my roof.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., II. xxiv. 65. The arcenal … hath neare an hundreth arches or vaultes to builde and hale the gallies vnder couert and drye.
1617. Moryson, Itin., I. 210. All which, at the ringing of this bell to prayer, went vnder the hatches.
1648. Hexham, II. Onderduycken, to Dive vnder water, as in swimming.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Georg., IV. 72. When Golden Suns appear, And under Earth have driv’n the Winter Year.
1702. Addison, Dial. Medals (1726), 102. She thrusts a lighted torch under a heap of armour that lies by an Altar.
1806. Med. Jrnl., XV. 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. With reference to persons acting in a certain capacity, considered in relation to one holding a superior position or office.
c. 893. K. Ælfred, Oros., III. xi. 142. Þa þe under Alexandre fyrmest wæron.
c. 1000. Rule of Chrodegang, vi. Se bisceop oððe se ðe under him ealdor is.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 16026. þai … sent to pilate þair procuratur,… For he sett vte-ouer þam Vnder cesar þe king.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Serm., Sel. Wks. I. 316. So Syryne, þat was þere cheef undur þe emperour, bigan to make þis discripcion.
c. 1420. Lydg., Assembly of Gods, 1259. Then made Vertu Frewyll baylle vndyr Reson.
c. 1425. Eng. Conq. Ireland, 6. In that tym was prince in wales, Rys, Gryffynes son, onþer the kyng of england.
1473. Rental Bk. Cupar-Angus (1879), I. 166. We hafe grantyt hym … to mak tenandis onder hym.
1531. Dial. on Laws Eng., II. xxxvi. 75. The pope is the vycar generall vnder god.
1546. Yorks. Chantry Surv. (Surtees), 348. The same prebendaries have vj vicars inducted under them.
1611. Cotgr., Soubeurateur,… one that hath the … charge of a thing vnder another.
1667. Milton, P. L., V. 695. Hee together calls … the Regent Powers, Under him Regent.
1761. List Officers Army, 195/2. Capt. Sir Duncan Campbell, Bt. Staff-offi. la. under L. G. St. Clair.
1820. Lamb, Elia, I. South-Sea House. Deputy, under Evans, was Thomas Tame.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., i. I. 55. The King was, under Christ, sole head of the Church.
1854. R. S. Surtees, Handley Cr., vii. Betsey, a maid of all work, and a girl under her.
1891. E. Peacock, N. Brendon, I. 133. He had worked under Clark.
b. Under God, Heaven, etc., in parenthetic use. (Cf. GOD sb. 9 d.)
1544. Star Chamb. Cases (Selden), II. 279. The ship … wherof one John Goodlade … then vndir god was master.
1616. R. Cocks, Diary (Hakl. Soc.), I. 199. Of his arivall there in our junck,… he under God saveing her.
a. 1704. Locke, Ess. Underst. St. Paul’s Epist. (1707), 17. This is the only safe Guide (under the Spirit of God …) that can be rely’d on.
1719. De Foe, Crusoe, II. (Globe), 332. He … thank’d me that had, under God, given him and so many miserable Creatures their Lives.
1841. Lytton, Night & Morn., III. xi. The husband and wife … looked up to her as the author, under Heaven, of their happiness. Ibid., V. xix. It is from you, under Providence, that [etc.].
† c. = In addition to; besides. Obs.
c. 1400. T. Chestre, Launfal, 48. For the lady bar … swych word, That sche had lemannys unther her lord.
c. 1440. Gesta Rom., i. 1 (Harl. MS.). Þis woman lovid by wey of synne an oþer knyȝt, vndir hire husbond. Ibid., v. 12. There was a knyȝt hadde a faire wife, þat tooke an oþer vndir him.
d. With reference to derivative rights or claims.
1818. Cruise, Digest (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, C. 410/1. The acts or defaults of any person other than himself and those claiming under him.
10. Denoting subordination to, or control by, a person or persons having or exercising recognized authority or command; occas. = in the service of.
c. 950. Lindisf. Gosp., Matt. viii. 9. Ic … hæfo under mec ðeignas.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Num. iii. 9. Beon hiʓ þenas under Aarone and his sunum.
a. 1225. Leg. Kath., 223. He ane is to herien, þurh hwam & under hwam alle kinges rixleð.
c. 1230. Hali Meid., 31. For, beo hit nu, þat … [þu] habbe monie under þe, hirdmen in halle.
1382. Wyclif, Matt. viii. 9. For whi and I am a man … hauynge vndir me kniȝtis.
c. 1400. Maundev. (Roxb.), xxx. 133. Prestre Iohn has vnder him many kynges.
c. 1450. Holland, Howlat, 133. For all statis of kirk that wnder Crist standis.
1495. Act 11 Hen. VII., c. 22 § 1. A maister Ship Carpenter taking the charge of the werke havyng men undre hym.
1538. Starkey, England, I. i. 24. Now also vse your tyme, vnder so nobul a prynce, to the mayntenance … of the same.
a. 1548. Hall, Chron., Hen. V., 38. While all was vnder one [king], no nacion durste … attempte warre against the Britons.
1639. A. Wheelocke, in Lett. Lit. Men (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. Swift, Gulliver, IV. iv. 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 Scot., 168. The society is now under the keeper of the signet.
1849. 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.
1297. R. Glouc. (Rolls), 1332. Vor þe maistrie nis noȝt a kinges … Ac kniȝtes þat vnder him viȝteb & ssedeþ hor blod.
1564. Stapleton, trans. Staphylus’ Apol., Pref. 11. His wisedom … he well declared … in the like seruice vnder the Catholike and vertuous Duke of Bauaria.
1599. Shaks., Hen. V., IV. vii. 154. King. Who seru’st thou vnder? Will. Vnder Captaine Gower.
1612. T. Taylor, Comm. Titus ii. 6. Let them now serue as voluntaries vnder the Captaine Iesus Christ.
1718. Prior, Poems Sev. Occas., Ded. In the first Dutch War He went a Voluntier under the Duke of York.
1816. Scott, Old Mort., xxxvi. I made my first campaigns under him.
1839. Penny Cycl., XIV. 347/2. On the 16th May, 1565, the Turks, under Mustapha Pacha,… landed on the island of Malta.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., xii. III. 204. He … had fought bravely under Monmouth on the Continent.
1861. M. Pattison, Ess. (1889), I. 45. 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 SIT v. 28. See also STUDY v. 1 c.
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. Wood, Ath. Oxon., II. 693. His first education in Grammar learning was under one Thom. Sibley.
1711. Steele, Spect., No. 154, ¶ 2. I … had the finishing Part of my Education under a Man of great Probity.
1724. H. Bedford, trans. Life J. Barwick, App. 362. Under this Instructor he learnt the Art of blurting out crude Sermons.
1749. Fielding, Tom Jones, VII. xii. There were likewise two Ensigns,… one of whom had been bred under an Attorney.
1808. Scott, in Lockhart, Life, I. i. 43. I made some progress in Ethics under Professor John Bruce.
1837. K. H. Digby, Mores Cath., VIII. vi. (1846), II. 594/2. 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 was admitted a Pensioner at Peterhouse.
d. = As a tenant of.
1754. in Nairne Peerage Evidence (1874), 51. She lived under said lord Nairn very near his house.
e. = In the hands of (a doctor).
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.
11. With names or designations of rulers, passing into the sense of ‘during the reign or administration of,’ ‘in the time or period of.’
c. 888. K. Ælfred, Boeth., i. He þa ʓemunde … þara ealdrihta þe hi under þam caserum hæfdon.
a. 900[?]. O. E. Chron. (Parker MS.) an. 653. Her Middel-Seaxe onfengon under Pendan aldormen ryhtne ʓeleafan.
c. 950. Lindisf. Gosp., Luke iv. 27. Moniʓo hreafo weron … under [Helisaeo] ðæne witʓo.
1340. Ayenb., 12. Þe uerþe article belongeþ to his passion, þet is to zigge, þet he þolede dyaþ onder pouns pilate.
c. 1375. Sc. Leg. Saints, ii. (Paul), 28. Quhen he come to rome, Wndir fell nero tholit dowme, And ded wes.
1445. in Anglia, XXVIII. 277. What so evir we loste toforne vndir our princis fele By thi comforte … may soon be yolden ageyn.
1548–9. (Mar.) Bk. Com Prayer, Communion. [He] was crucified also for vs vnder Pontius Pilate.
1565. Harding, Answ. to M. Ivelles Challenge, 41 b. Soter Byshop of Rome … who suffred martyrdom vnder Antoninus Verus the Emperour.
1618. Bolton, Florus, Ep. Ded. A 3 b. An heathen man, and living under Trajan the Emperour.
1756–9. A. Butler, Lives of Saints (1821), XI. 105. Bishop Fisher, who was put to death for his religion under Henry VIII.
1807. Syd. Smith, Lett. Catholics, i. ¶ 12. There were as many persons put to death for religious opinions under the mild Elizabeth as under the bloody Mary.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., iii. I. 280. The national wealth … was greater under the Tudors than under the Plantagenets.
1891. Farrar, Darkn. & Dawn, xxvi. He would have lost his head under Caligula.
b. Similarly with other nouns.
a. 1400. New Test. (Paues), Heb. vii. 11. For vnder þat presthod þe pepel vnderfong þe lawe.
1641. J. Jackson, True Evang. T., 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. Stillingfl., Orig. Sacræ, II. vi. § 8. The Prophets under the old Testament, when they speak of things to come to pass in the New.
1688. Dryden, trans. Life 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. Syd. Smith, Lett. Catholics, i. ¶ 8. Under the reign of his present Majesty.
1826. Lamb, Popular Fallacy, Wks. 1908, I. 368. But who can show it?… Under what king’s reign is it pretended?
12. Denoting subjection to power or force exercised by some person or persons: Beneath the rule or domination of; subject to.
a. 950. O. E. Chron. (Parker MS.), an. 942. Burʓa fife … Dæne wæran ær, under Norðmannum nyde ʓebeʓde.
a. 1225. Leg. Kath., 1092. He is godd seolf, þe duste deað under him.
1297. R. Glouc. (Rolls), 9873. Hii … gret raunson him ʓeue, In þraldom as vnder him þere to bileue.
a. 1340. Hampole, Psalter xvii. 43. Þou supplantid rysand in me vndire me.
c. 1400. Maundev. (Roxb.), xxix. 132. Cristen men schall be vnder þaim.
1517. Torkington, Pilgr. (1834), 63. The havyn of Corfewe, whiche Cite and yle ys vnder the Venycianns.
1526. Tindale, 1 Cor. xv. 27. It is manifest that he is excepted, which did putt all thynges vnder him.
1610. Healey, St. Aug. Citie of God, 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 (dial. and U.S.): see WEATHER sb.
1627. Capt. Smith, Seaman’s 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 under the Sea as wee terme it.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., 706. Under the sea, a ship lying-to in a heavy gale, and making bad weather of it.
13. With abstract or other sbs. denoting authority or control, with or without specification of the person or persons exercising it.
Cf. COMMAND sb. 3 d. Also in fig. phrases with HAND sb. 35 a, FOOT sb. 30 c and 33, THUMB sb. 5 a f, g, EYE sb.1 6.
(a) c. 888. K. Ælfred, Boeth., xxxvi. § 1. Ðatte æfre swylc yfel ʓeweorðan sceolde under ðæs ælmihtʓan Godes anwalde.
c. 910. O. E. Chron. (Parker MS.), an. 901. Se wæs cyning ofer eall Ongelcyn butan ðæm dæle þe under Dena onwalde wæs.
971. Blickl. Hom., 99. Eaþmodʓiaþ eow sylfe under þære mihte Godes handa.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 13. Murðhe sculen wunian on londe þet bið on griðe and on friðe under mire onwalde.
c. 1200. Ormin, Introd. 35. To ben unnderr deofless þeowwdom.
c. 1340. Hampole, Pr. Consc., 5884. Prelats … Sal acount yhelde in sere degre Of þair suggets undir þair powere.
1390. Gower, Conf., I. 18. So that under the clerkes lawe Men sen the Merel al mysdrawe. Ibid. (1399), Praise of Peace, 39. Of all the world to winne the victoire, So that undir his swerd it myht obeie.
c. 1450. Merlin, xxviii. 576. The xix kynges … comaunded alle hem that were vnther theire Iustice that [etc.].
1457. Harding, Chron., in Eng. Hist. Rev., Oct. (1912), 744. Compleyntes of wrong alway in general Refourmed were, so vndyr his yerde egall.
1512. Act 4 Hen. VIII., c. 19 § 4. Every alien & stranger nott borne under the Kynges allegiance & not made Denyzen.
a. 1533. Ld. Berners, Gold. Bk. M. Aurel., Z 5 b. Thou shalte tourne to be bonde to theim that are nowe under thy bondage.
1667. Milton, P. L., III. 242. Under his gloomie power I shall not long Lie vanquisht.
1754. A. Murphy, Gray’s-Inn Jrnl., No. 95 In all Ages the Managers of Play-houses have acquiesced under the Gallery-Jurisdiction.
1781–. [see SUPERVISION 1].
1817. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, II. V. iii. 412. He proposed that it should no longer act under the orders of that Presidency.
1850. Tait’s Mag., XVII. 366/1. Banking operations come necessarily under its sphere.
1888. Contemp. Rev., July, 36. A person who is under the direction of amateurish clerks.
(b) c. 950. Lindisf. Gosp., Matt. viii. 9. Ic monn amm under mæht.
[c. 1000. Ags. Gosp., ibid. Soðlice ic eom man under anwealde.]
a. 1000. Colloq. Ælfric, in Wr.-Wülcker, 102. Forðam cild ic eom under gyrda drohtniende.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 12117. Þou est vnder [lagh] and þar-in bunden, Bot i am ar þe lagh was funden.
c. 1400. Rom. Rose, 4923. That he may er he hennes pace Conteyne vndir obedience Thurgh the vertu of pacience.
1565. Cooper, Thesaurus, Subiugo,… to bryng vnder yoke.
1615. Jackson, Creed, 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. Milton, P. L., II. 322. To remaine In strictest bondage,.. Under th’inevitable curb.
1682. Dryden, Medal, Ep. Whigs. 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. Ht. Martineau, Life in Wilds, Pref. 3. How the universe was formed and under what rules its movements proceed.
1846. Raikes, Life of Brenton, 125. The Santa Dorothea frigate, then under orders for England.
1890. Ld. Esher, in Law Times Rep., LXIII. 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.
b. With words denoting guidance or direction.
Under correction: see CORRECTION 1 b.
a. 1575. trans. Pol. Verg. Eng. Hist. (Camden), I. 108. Thei camen home under the conduite of their lodesmanne Fergusius.
1598. Hakluyt, Voy., Ep. Ded. ¶ 3. As … our skill in Nauigation hath hitherto bene very much bettered … vnder the Admiraltie of your Lordship.
1632–. [see CONDUCT sb.1 1 β].
a. 1700. in Cath. Rec. Soc. Publ. (1911), IX. 336. She was both loved & fear’d by those yt had ye happines to be under her conduct.
1711. Spect., No. 67, ¶ 6. My eldest Daughter … has for some time been under the Tuition of Monsieur Rigadoon.
1794. Mrs. Radcliffe, Myst. Udolpho, xxxi. She saw herself at the approach of night under his guidance, among wild and solitary mountains.
1827. 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.
(a) 1535, 1659. [see HAND sb. 35 c].
a. 1670. Hacket, Abp. Williams, II. (1693), 28. The Subject which is now under the Quill is the Bishop of Lincoln.
1706. E. Ward, Wooden World Diss. (1708), 61. He may with Justice boast, that very few die under his hands.
a. 1719. Addison, Virg. Georg., Wks. 1721, I. 258. That Poem, which lay so long under Virgil’s correction, and had his last hand put to it.
1792. Cowper, Lett., 26 Jan. But no laurels are to be won by sitting patiently under the knife of a surgeon.
1837. Disraeli, Venetia, I. xvi. As the Doctor was under the operation of the barber.
1843. Blackw. Mag., LIV. 616. I left him under the hands of his valet.
1884. Marshall’s Tennis Cuts, 234. He is … now under medical treatment.
(b) 1652. Needham, trans. Selden’s Mare Cl., 2. As to what concerns the point of Law, this Question falls chiefly under debate.
1664. Extr. St. Papers Friends, Ser. III. (1912), 214. I have had them thrice under private examination.
1677. Earl 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. Gentl. Mag., VII. 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. Faraday, Chem. Manip., xii. 278. Any number of parts by volume of the acid under trial.
1849. Tait’s Mag., XVI. 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.
d. Under the plough, employed as arable land. So under cultivation, tillage, etc.
1795. [see 6 b].
1805. R. W. Dickson, Pract. Agric., I. 296. Land … under an arable system of cultivation. Ibid., 314. Soils … under tillage.
1833. Ht. Martineau, Brooke Farm, iv. Lands that have been under the plough for hundreds of years.
1862. Ansted, Channel Isl., I. iii. (ed. 2), 37. Of this area, about 10,000 acres are under cultivation.
e. Under steam, etc. (Cf. 5 c.)
1839. Civil Eng. & Arch. Jrnl., II. 475/2. She can scarcely fail to attain an uncommon speed under steam.
1860, 1873. [see STEAM sb. 7 d].
1883. Law Times Rep., XLIX. 332/1. About to round Blackwall Point under a port helm.
14. With words denoting or implying restraint, confinement, or safe keeping.
a. 900. Cynewulf, Elene, 485 (Gr.). In byrʓenne [he] bidende wæs under þeosterlocan.
a. 1300–. [see LOCK sb.2 1 b].
13[?]–. [see KEY sb.1 1 b].
c. 1386–. [see ARREST sb.1 9 b, 10].
1495. Cov. Leet Bk., 569. Þat they be putte vnder suertie fro session vnto session.
1611. Florio, Sottogardia, vnder guard, keeping or custody.
1629. Wadsworth, Pilgr., viii. 90. He left mee alone…, lockt vnder seuen doores.
1645. Howell, Twelve Treat. (1661), 338. Their faculties have a kind of ubiquitary freedom, though the body be never so under restraint.
1689. Sc. Acts Parlt. (1875), XII. 50/2. The petitioner was sent for to be brought to the meeting under a gaurd [sic].
1737. in 10th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., 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.
1841. Dickens, B. Rudge, 4. Sent under a strong guard to the tower.
1847. [see RESTRAINT sb. 2 d].
b. With words denoting an obligation, compact, or formal engagement: Subject to, bound or constrained (legally or morally) by.
1456. Sir G. Haye, Law Arms (S.T.S.), 103. Cristin men that ar duelland in the mistrowand menis housis under malis suld be lele to thair malaris.
1538. Starkey, England, I. iv. 115. Certayn landys were gyuen out … to inferyor personys … vnder such condycyon that [etc.].
a. 1548. Hall, Chron., Hen. VI., 98 b. My Lorde of Winchester … hath subscribed with his awne hande, under the worde of priestehod, to stande at the aduise … of the persones abouesaied.
1626. C. Potter, trans. Sarpi’s 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. Steele, Spect., No. 362, ¶ 1. All who vend Wines should be under oaths in that behalf.
1790. Paley, Horæ Paul., xi. § 1. As he was also under a promise to the church of Philippi to see them.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), IV. 488. A covenant to renew a lease, under the same rent and covenants as those contained in the original lease.
1834. Dickens, Sk. Boz, Steam Excurs. Mr. Samuel, the eldest, was an attorney, and Mr. Alexander, the youngest, was under articles to his brother.
1848. Mrs. Carlyle, Lett. (1883), II. 26. This time I am under engagement to go.
1861. M. Pattison, Ess. (1899), I. 47. Every master was under an obligation … to keep an iron helmet and harness.
15. With reference to physical weight or pressure. (Orig. in literal sense.) Also in fig. context.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 6830. If þou find … Vnder birthin his beist ligand, Help him.
a. 1400. New Test. (Paues), 2 Peter ii. 16. He spak not as resonable man, but as a doume beste þat vnder synne was ȝoked.
1591. Spenser, Ruins of Rome, 161. Th’ earth vnder her childrens weight did grone.
1611. Bible, Exod. vi. 6. I will bring you out from vnder the burdens of the Egyptians.
1667. Milton, P. L., XII. 539. So shall the World goe on,… Under her own waight groaning.
1714. Addison, Spect., No. 559, ¶ 7. They wandered up and down under the Pressure of their several Burthens.
1794. Mrs. Radcliffe, Myst. Udolpho, xxvi. Her reason seemed to totter under the intolerable weight.
1827. Faraday, Chem. Manip., xv. 374. The glass vessels intended to retain gases under pressure.
1842. Loudon, Suburban Hort., 346. The health of the tree must decline under the load of … imperfectly nourished fruit.
1891. T. Hardy, Tess, iii. 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 ellipt.
c. 1449. [see PAIN sb.1 1 b].
1560. [see PENALTY 2 d].
1599. Sandys, Europæ Spec. (1632), 112. Whom they charge under an high degree of mortall sinne and damnation … to appeach even their neerest and dearest friends.
1632. Lithgow, Trav., II. 49. Neither may they stay … all night vnder the paine of imprisonment.
1635. Pagitt, Christianogr., I. iii. 56. Vndoubted verities, and to be believed under the Popes curse.
1665. in Extr. St. Papers Friends, Ser. III. (1912), 231. [They] shalbe vnder such penalties as the law may inflict vpon them.
1711. Steele, Spect., No. 66, ¶ 5. Under Pain of never having an Husband.
1737. Challoner, Cath. Chr. Instr. (1753), 123. Which is the Case of all who 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. Milner, Suppl. Mem. Eng. Cath., App. 305. An obligation … under the guilt of a grievous sin.
1845. Lingard, Anglo-Saxon Ch., 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 OE. under with words meaning ‘grip’ or ‘grasp.’ With somewhat weakened force, the sense occurs frequently with certain words, as contribution, difficulty, disadvantage, necessity, sentence.
1382. Wyclif, 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. Reg. Privy Council Scot., I. 682. [He] ressavit fra ilk ane … the sowme of thre pundis, and yit hes thame under danger of the rest.
1644–. [see CONTRIBUTION 1 b].
1663. J. Spencer, Prodigies (1665), 335. The more modern Rabbins were under a despair of … equalling the Traditional … Commentators upon their Law.
1688. Collier, Several Disc. (1725), 369. The Publishers of it … lay under Discountenance and Persecution from the civil Powers.
1711. Spect., No. 116, ¶ 7. If I was under any Concern, it was on the Account of the poor Hare. Ibid., ¶ 8. A noble Soul struggling under innumerable Pains and Distempers.
1750. Johnson, Rambler, No. 6, ¶ 6. Those that suffer under the dreadful symptom of canine madness.
1779. Mirror, No. 8. It was with regret that the Editor found himself under the necessity of abridging the following letter.
1806–7. J. Beresford, Miseries Hum. Life, II. x. If … it may afford you any consolation under the recollection of a calamity so dreadful.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., v. I. 612, note. Wade was writing under the dread of the halter.
1869. Freeman, Norm. Conq., III. xiv. 360. Harold was under the ban of Rome.
d. With reference to mental impressions: Possessed, swayed, or affected by.
1667. Milton, P. L., I. 313. Under amazement of their hideous change.
1683. [see MISTAKE sb. 2 a].
1759. [see IMPRESSION 6 b].
1779. Mirror, No. 16. A man under the impressions I have described, will be led to look into himself.
1829. Monthly Rev., XII. 91. Nearly all the convicts for murder, with whom I have conversed, have admitted themselves to have been under the influence of spirits [liquor] at the time of the act.
1842. Lover, Handy Andy, xlvi. That Tom wouldn’t hurt a fly, only ‘under a mistake.’
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., v. I. 662. Evidence was produced which proved that Goodenough was also under the influence of personal enmity.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), I. 395. Are you under the impression that they will be better cared for … here?
1885. [see MISAPPREHENSION].
e. ellipt. = Under the influence of.
1884. Thompson, Tumours of Bladder, 95. Some phosphatic deposits, which were removed … under ether.
1889. Science-Gossip, XXV. 220/1. A fixed oil … is obtained from the seeds by expression under heat.
1892. Hugh Lane, Differ. Rheum. Dis. (ed. 2), 72. I have seen these cases frequently treated … under chloroform.
III. In senses implying that one thing is covered by, or included in, another.
16. Denoting that a thing is presented or observed in a certain form or aspect.
See also KIND sb. 13 b, SPECIES 2.
a. 1000. Guthlac, 682 (Gr.). Eom ic þara twelfa sum, þe he ʓetreoweste under monnes hiw mode ʓelufade.
c. 1320. Cast. Love, 657. Oþer God nis þen he þat … vnder vre wede vre kynde nom.
c. 1450. Myrr. our Ladye, 189. This hympne ys spoken vnder ful fayre and darke examples.
1561. Rastell, Confut. Ivelles Serm. (1565), 128. The people recesiued under both kindes.
1586. in Cath. Rec. Soc. Publ. (1911), IX. 171. At wch time vi or vii of the said company did communicate … by receaving the sacrament under one kind only.
1659. Pearson, Creed, xii. 780. Life eternall may be looked upon under three considerations; as Initiall, as Partial, and as Perfectional.
1663. Bp. Patrick, Parab. Pilgr., xxxvii. Bidding him to take great heed lest under the guise of this Humility … he proved unthankful for Gods favours.
1712. Addison, Spect., No. 419, ¶ 7. When the Author represents any Passion, Appetite, Virtue or Vice, under a Visible Shape. Ibid. (1713), Guard., No. 101. The painter has represented his most Christian Majesty under the figure of Jupiter.
1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist., VIII. 26. Some insects continue under the form of an aurelia not above ten days.
1817. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, II. V. vii. 608. Under the ignominious light in which imprisonment is regarded by the Indians.
1870. J. H. Newman, 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 Brit., 225. The several types under which our Ladye was represented in England.
b. With words implying a specious or deceptive appearance. Also ellipt. = ‘under the pretence of.’
See COLOUR sb.1 12 d, COVER sb. 3 d, COVERT sb. 2 c, GUISE sb. 5 b, PRETENCE sb. 3 b, 4, 6, PRETEXT sb.1, SEMBLANT sb. 2, SHOW sb.1 7 c, VEIL sb.1 5.
1607. Shaks., Timon, III. iii. 33. Like those that vnder hotte ardent zeale, would set whole Realmes on fire.
c. With suggestion of one thing being hidden or disguised beneath another: Beneath the form, guise, or concealment of.
a. 1340. Hampole, Psalter cxxxix. 5. Þe snare is endles pyne, þat þai bid vndire delit of syn.
1382. Wyclif, Pref. St. Jerome, vii. (1850), 70/1. Vndir name of Nynyue, [he] tellith helthe to Gentils.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 11489. He thoght his falshed to feyne, vndur faire wordes.
1592. Kyd, Sp. Trag., III. x. 22. Vnder fained iest Are things concealde that els would breed vnrest.
1723. Pres. St. 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. Mrs. Jameson, Commonpl. Bk. (1877), 1. Extreme vanity sometimes hides under the garb of ultra modesty.
1857. Pusey, Doctr. 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 sb. 13.)
1641–2. Laud, Diary, 20 Feb. There came a tall man to me, under the name of Mr. Hunt.
1662. Extr. St. Papers Friends, Ser. II. (1911), 150. Seuerall Persons who are under the names of Quakers and other names of separacion now in the Goales of London and Middlesex.
1744. Berkeley, Siris, § 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. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, II. V. ix. 704. Under the stile and title of a commutation, an additional window tax … was imposed.
1843. Pereira, Food & Diet, 120. Hard confectionary, sold under the names of Lozenges, Brilliants, Pipe, Rock, Comfits, Nonpareils.
1876. Beneden’s Anim. Parasites, 75. Naturalists had recognized some crustaceans under the name of Ancei.
† e. = In (a manner or fashion). Obs. rare.
1523. in Gentl. Mag. (1785), II. 939/1. I … dyd christen the same childe under this manner.
1532. Tindale, Exp. Matt. v. (1550), 22. With greate payne they can suffry their grosse synnes to be rebuked vnder a fassion, as in a parable.
17. Denoting inclusion in a group, category, class, etc. † Under (them) all, in all, altogether.
c. 960. Æthelwold, Rule St. Benet, xvii. (Schröer), 40. Ælc [psalm] on sundron and nan under anum gloria.
a. 1225. Ancr. R., 222. Þe oðer, & te ueorðe [temptation], ualleð under þe uttre.
c. 1290. S. Eng. Leg., I. 59/176. [Francis, Giles, and Bernard] and sethþe oþur þrco, So þat vnder heom alle sixe freres to-gadere weren i-brouȝt.
1297. R. Glouc. (Rolls), 6998. Þe king … ȝef al so Tueie gode maners sein swithin þer to, Þat wolde be tuenty vnder al.
1576. Fleming, Panopl. Epist., 352, margin. Under that word: lightening, thunder,… mysts, fogges, earthquakes, &c. are to be understoode.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., IV. iii. 115 b. The Persians … whiche went vnder the armie of Darius.
1635. Pagitt, Christianogr., I. ii. (1636), 43. Under these eight provinces all France is conteined.
a. 1662. Heylyn, Cosmogr., III. (1674), 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. Addison, Spect., No. 21, ¶ 2. The rest are comprehended under the Subalterns.
1756. P. Browne, Jamaica, p. xxxiii. I have … distributed the species under their proper genera.
1793. Smeaton, Edystone L., § 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 April, 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.
1589. Hakluyt, Voy., To Rdr. ¶ 6. Vnder this title thou shalt first finde the old northerne Navigations of our Brittish Kings.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Substraction, Write the less Number under the greater,… as we have directed under Addition.
1783. Encycl. Brit. (ed. 2), X. 8307/2. Under the article Natural History, Sect. I. it is observed, that [etc.].
1823. Scoresby, Jrnl., 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 Brit., 221. As I have mentioned in the Series under Stowe.
c. Under one, in one, united(ly), conjointly, together, at one time. Obs. exc. dial.
Cf. Du. Ondereen, together, pell-mell.
1596. Nashe, Saffron Walden, Ep. Ded. B ij b. And so [I] leave them … outright to hang, draw, and quarter them al vnder one.
1611. Cotgr., s.v. 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.
a. 1667. C. Hoole, School-Colloquies (1688), 105. Come, I pray you, and you shall sup with us all under one.
1839–. in Eng. Dial. Dict., s.v. Under 2.
d. Of figures or angles in relation to the lines determining their size.
1570. Billingsley, Euclid, II. def. i. 61. Rectangle parallelogrames which are comprehended vnder equal lines are equal the one to the other.
1660. Barrow, Euclid, I. prop. xlviii. The angle comprehended under those two other sides of the triangle.
1764. [see COMPREHEND v. 10].
1798. Hutton, Course Math., II. 124. The rectangles under the sum and difference of the ordinates.
1854. Tomlinson, Arago’s Astron., 167. The angle under which we see objects.
18. With words denoting protection, care, or benevolent interest.
See also AUSPICE 3, PROTECTION 1 b. To this sense may be assigned the apologetic phrases under favor (FAVOR sb. 3 a), leave, pardon.
971. Blickl. Hom., 41. Ne þurfon ʓe wenan þæt ʓe þæt orceape sellon, þæt ʓe under Drihtnes borh syllaþ.
c. 1230. Hali Meid., 7. Se seli sikernesse as he was in, & mahte beon under Godes warde.
c. 1375. Sc. Leg. Saints, iii. (Andrew), 943. Vndir ȝour proteccione to luf in contemplacione.
c. 1400. [see CARE sb.1 4].
1470–85. [see SAFE-CONDUCT sb. 1].
1550. Reg. Privy Council Scot., I. 84. Thair is diverse assurit personis … sittis under assurance duelland within the boundes of the Merse.
1596. Edward III., V. i. 111. Vnder safe conduct of the Dolphins seale.
1692. E. Walker, trans. Epictetus’ Mor., xxxvii. Methinks they’ve given enough, in that you live Under their prudent Care.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 106, ¶ 4. My worthy Friend has put me under the particular Care of his Butler.
1768. [W. Donaldson], Life Sir B. Sapskull, I. x. 105. To … institute an independant academy, under the auspices of that great name.
1803. Scott, Lett., in Lockhart (1837), I. xi. 392. The mode of telling the story approved by the French minstrel, under the authority of his Tomas.
1844. Mrs. Browning, Drama of Exile, 32. I hold that Eden is impregnable Under thy keeping.
1866. [see PATRONAGE 3].
1835. Law Rep., 14 Q.B.D. 867. Even if the plaintiff succeeds the action may have been defended under good advice.
19. Denoting a state or condition (frequently one imposed by implied circumstances).
In later use common with circumstances (see CIRCUMSTANCE sb. 4) and conditions. In parenthetical phrases, as under these circumstances, the sense passes into ‘having regard to,’ ‘taking account of.’ For under way or weigh see the sbs.
c. 1200. Ormin, Ded. 9. Þurrh þatt witt hafenn takenn ba An reȝhellboc to follȝhenn, Unnderr kanunnkess had & lif. Ibid., 10530. Unnderr Crisstenndom, & unnderr læfe o Criste.
c. 1205. Lay., 395. Assaracus heuede enne broþer, Þe wes under wedlac iboren.
1428. Munim. de Melros (Bann. Cl.), 519. I wes requerit … for to wytnes vnder wryt þe thyng at wes determynyt befor me in iugement.
1490. Caxton, Eneydos, xxvi. 93. Thou haste deliuerde me my traytour & peruerse enmye, vnder hope of loue & benyuolence.
1564. Reg. Privy Council Scot., I. 276. James Barry … quha allegeit him to be undir the King of Denmarkis wageis.
1581. Rich, Farew. (1846), 58. She beyng under covert barne, your obligation is unpleadable.
1662. Stillingfl., Orig. Sacræ, II. v. § 1. A meer seducer was to be stoned to death under sufficient testimony.
1668. Pepys, Diary, 7 July. Because of Fleet Bridge being under rebuilding.
1689. in Sc. Acts Parlt. (1875), XII. 76/1. Such persones as he hes already put under baile.
1712. Addison, Spect., No. 349, ¶ 7. He died under a fixed and settled Hope of Immortality.
1720. Welton, Suffer. 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. Jas. Mill, 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.
1855. Bain, Sense & Int., II. i. § 11. The physical state of a muscle under contraction may be inferred from the details already given.
1884. Dunckley, in Manch. Exam., 26 May, 6/2. Under the ballot it is as easy to vote as to pay a morning call.
b. Under trust, in a state of supposed safety. Obs. exc. arch.
1545. in Tytler, Hist. Scot. (1864), II. 349. The Lord Maclanis fader was cruellie murdressit under traist, in his bed.
1589. R. Robinson, Gold. Mirr. (1851), 5. Then Mischief calde for treason vndertrust; Helpe now (quoth he) or els I am o’rethrowen.
1609, 1818. [see TRUST sb. 5 a].
20. Denoting participation in the authoritative or confirmatory effect of a seal, signature, etc.: Authorized, warranted, or attested by.
See also HAND sb. 35 d, SEAL sb.2 1 c, SIGNET sb. 2, 3, SIGN-MANUAL 1.
1338. R. Brunne, Chron. (1810), 288. He kept his castels, his vitaile, his mone, Undere þe kyng seales.
a. 1400–50. Alexander, 1845. I send to ȝowe my sawe vndir my sele wreten.
1417. [see SIGNET sb. 3].
1460. in Rec. City of Norwich (1910), II. 94. If þe cloth be tokened and founde defauty under þe tokene.
1471. K. Edw. IV., in Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., Var. Coll., IV. 209. Yeven undir oure signet at oure Paleis of Westminster the xixth day of December.
1546. Langley, trans. Pol. Verg. de Invent., VII. iv. 135 b. Gregorie the nynth … canonised Dominicke, and by his Bulle vnder Lead, allowed him for a sainct.
1551. in Feuillerat, Revels Edw. VI. (1914), 62. A warrante vnder the kinges Maiesties owne handes.
1592. in J. Morris, Troub. Cath. Forefathers (1877), 23. And this averred by writing under all or most of his neighbours’ hands.
1613. Purchas, Pilgrimage (1614), 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. [see SIGNATURE sb. 1].
1838. W. Bell, Dict. Law Scot., 889. Under this seal commissions of tutory, gifts of bastardy,… are passed.
† b. Under (the) name of, = in the name of. (See NAME sb. 11 c.) Obs.
1445. trans. Claudian, in Anglia, XXVIII. 265. His shrewde seruauntis … Pretendyng evir the Kyngis title … vndir his name þe wrongid.
1535. Coverdale, Zech. xiii. 3. Thou shalt dye, for thou speakest lyes vnder the name off the Lorde.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. x. 12 b. [He] coyned money vnder his name.
1596. Shaks., Tam. Shr., IV. iii. 12. He does it vnder name of perfect loue.
c. Implying a statement or suggestion as to the authorship of a work.
1662. Stillingfl., Orig. Sacræ, II. i. § 3. Who would ever undertake to prove … that Euclide was the undoubted Author of the Geometry under his name?
1712. P. Metcalfe, Life St. Winefride (1917), 5. Altho’ the mention’d Author publish’d his Tomes under the Borrow’d Names of Alford, alias Griffith.
1802. Mar. Edgeworth, Moral T., Forester, xvi. Our hero … inserted his compositions, under a fictitious signature, in his master’s newspaper.
d. = In accordance with (some regulative power or principle).
1779. Ann. Reg., Chron., 216/2. Numbers of them had been long supersedable, or intitled to their discharges under insolvent acts.
1867. Froude, Short Stud., Ser. I. I. 47. Under this edict … more than fifty thousand human beings … were deliberately murdered.
1874. Nairne Peerage Evidence, 169. That is the lady who was examined under a commission from this House?
1884. Manch. Exam., 16 Feb., 4/6. The first contested county election under the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Act.
IV. In senses that imply falling below a certain standard or level.
21. Beneath or below in point of worth or dignity.
c. 888. K. Ælfred, Boeth., xxxiii. § 5. Under hire selfre hio bið þonne, ðonne hio lufað þas eorðlican þing. Ibid., xxxvii. § 4. Hiora yfelnes awirpð hi under þa menniscan ʓecynd.
a. 1340. Hampole, Ps. xvii. 40. Til þa þat ere vndire me, þat is, ill men vndire me in merit bifor god.
1548. Udall, etc., Erasm. Par. Matt., 100 b. This they thought a goodly prayse, although that it was farre vnder his maiestie.
1598. Grenewey, Tacitus, Ann., 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.
1610. B. Jonson, Alch., II. vi. No, sir, shee ’ll neuer marry Vnder a knight.
1632. Massinger & Field, Fatal Dowry, IV. i. Fight with Romont? No, I’ll not fight under a lord.
1650. Fuller, Pisgah, IV. vii. 123. Nothing under an Infinite can expleat and satiate the immortall minde of man.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 122, ¶ 9. It was too great an Honour for any Man under a Duke.
1822. Lamb, Elia, I. Distant Correspondents. No person, under a diviner, can … conduct a correspondence at such arm’s length.
1847. L. Hunt, Men, Women, & B., II. vii. 96. He uttered nothing under a gentility or a dulcitude.
22. Below, less, or fewer than (a specified number or amount).
c. 1380. Wyclif, Last Age Ch. (1840), 30. Þat we ben undir þe hundrid ȝeere of .x. lettre I schewe schortly by Bede.
1530. Tindale, Pract. Prelates, H iij. The Emperours host was vnder xx. thousande.
1557. North, trans. Gueuara’s Diall Pr., II. xi. 95 b. There was a lawe amongeste them, that no man should marye under three wiues.
1590. Sir J. Smyth, Disc. Weapons, 6 b. In case they should compose smaller bands of 300 to an Ensigne, or vnder that number.
1601. R. Johnson, Kingd. & Commw. (1603), 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.
1699. R. L’Estrange, Erasm. Colloq. (1725), 174. Sometimes ten, sometimes twelve, but never under six.
1745. H. Walpole, Lett. (1857), I. 406. Repeated accounts make them under five thousand.
1800[?]. Wordsw., Andrew Jones, 28. Under half-a-crown, What a man finds is all his own.
1832. Macaulay, in Trevelyan, Life (1876), I. 287. The voters are under 4,000 in number. Ibid. (1855), Hist. Eng., iv. IV. 624. The weight … proved to be under one hundred and fourteen thousand ounces.
b. Below, not having attained to (a specified age).
c. 1400. Maundev. (1839), xxvii. 278. The faireste Damyseles, that myghte ben founde undir the Age of 15 Zere.
1565. Cooper, Thesaurus, s.v. Minor, Vnder .xxv. yeres of age.
1570–4. Bp. Cox, Injunct., in 2nd Rep. Ritual Comm. (1868), 406/2. Their chyldren and seruauntes … beyng of sixe yeres of age, and vnder twentie.
1658. Harrington, Prerog. Pop. Govt., Wks. (1700), 335. It is provided … that no man under thirty years of Age be capable of Magistracy.
1692. O. Walker, Grk. & Rom. Hist., 9. Then was Augustus under nineteen years old.
1729. Jacob, 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, Ser. II. II. 247. He is under fifty-seven.
1885. Law Rep., 10 P.D. 189. Till their only child should attain twenty-one, or die under that age.
c. At or for a less sum or lower price than (that specified).
c. 1430. Lydg., Min. Poems (Percy Soc.), 107. ‘Thou scapst not here,’ quod he, ‘under ij. pence.’
1495. Act 12 Hen. VII., c. 6. They be sold far under the Price that they be worth.
1583. Stubbes, Anat. Abus., II. M i. 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. Steele, Spect., No. 362, ¶ 1. They can have no advice for him under a Guinea.
1733. Tull, Horse-Hoeing Husb., 142, note. Wheat was under Three Shillings a Bushel.
1831. G. P. R. James, Phil. 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).
1632. J. Hayward, trans. Biondi’s Eromena, 114. Great Fleets, which cannot be rigg’d under a great deale of time.
1639. W. Mountagu, in Buccleuch MSS. (Hist. MSS. Comm.), I. 280. We … can get none, neither can any be made under three weeks’ time.
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 102, ¶ 4. Flirts and Vibrations [of the fan] … that are seldom learned under a Month’s Practice.
1726. Leoni, Alberti’s Archit., I. 29. Cato advises to dig the Stone in Summer…, and not to use it under two Years.
1728. Fielding, Love in Sev. Masques, I. v. 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.
1570. Foxe, A. & M. (ed. 2), I. 321/2. For commonly he neuer rode vnder a 1500 horses of Chaplaynes, Priestes, and other seruyng men waytyng vpon hym.
1702. Eng. Theophrast., 15. They will scarce believe that two and two make four, under a demonstration from Euclid.
1719–20. Swift, To Yng. Clergym., Wks. 1727, II. II. 12. 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. Smyth, 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. ellipt., esp. in and under, or under, placed after statements of size, price, etc.
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. Tindale, Matt. ii. 16. All the chyldren,… as many as were two yere old and vnder.
1576. Act 18 Eliz., c. 6 In good Wheate after vjs. viijd. the Quarter or under.
c. 1580. 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 Hartlib’s Legacy (1655), 211. When Barley is at two shillings the bushel, or under.
1670. in 12th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm., App. V. 15. Courser [hangings] … your Honour may be served with from Flanders, att 18s. per stick or under.
1708. Lond. 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. (ed. 3), XVII. 432/1. Courses and topsails … for 44 gun ships and under.
1803. Beddoes, Hygëia, 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.
1590. Spenser, F. Q., II. x. 64. Three sonnes he dying left, all vnder age.
1603. G. Owen, Pembrokeshire (1892), 22. William, who was then onder age.
1617. Moryson, Itin., I. 274. The Lords of Eriskin … vse to haue the keeping of the Prince of Scotland, being vnder yeeres.
1632. Sherwood, Under-yeares, mineur, en bas age.
1765–8. Erskine, Inst. Law Scot., I. vii. § 1. But minority … includes all under age, whether pupils or puberes.
1821. 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 … personally was … disposable by the will of a person under age.
b. Below (a certain standard).
See also MARK sb.1 12 c, PAR sb.1 3 b, PROOF sb. 11.
1615. W. Lawson, Country Housew. Gard. (1623), 30. Your graffe … will grow but to small purpose,… and lightly it will be vnder growth.
1661. Walton, Angler (ed. 3), ii. 52. So many Nets and Fish, that are under the Statute size.
1748. [see PROOF sb. 11].
1799. Coleridge, Lett. (1895), 271. The frost … was 20 degrees under the freezing point.
1825. J. Neal, Bro. Jonathan, I. 364. Poor fatty! you know he’s rather under par.
1857. Miller, Elem. Chem., Org., 121. If the spirit burned off and left the powder damp, it was considered under proof.
1875. E. C. Stedman, Victorian Poets, 275. The statement of Bulwer’s preface is under the truth.
c. Under (one’s) breath, in a low voice, in a whisper.
1832. [see BREATH sb. 9 b].
1883. Whitelaw, Sophocles, Oedipus Col., 489. Pray, under breath, not lifting up thy voice.
1898. ‘Merriman,’ Roden’s Corner, xv. 155. ‘Oh, hang!’ she added,… under her breath.
V. † 24. Among. Obs. rare. .
c. 893. K. Ælfred, Oros., IV. x. 196. Þa ne mehton þa senatus nænne consul under him findan þe dorste on Ispanie … ʓefaran.
c. 1205. Lay., 915. Wet speke ȝe kempen vnder eou alle?
† 25. During; in the time of. Obs.
Also Sc. † under ane time, at the same time.
c. 893. K. Ælfred, Oros., I. x. 46. Þa under þæm ʓewinne hie ʓenamon friþ wið þa wæpnedmen.
971. Blickl. Hom., 35. Þæt we sceolan under þæm feowertiʓeoþan ʓerime … syllan þone teoþan dæl ure worldspeda.
c. 1205. Lay., 32028. Vnder þissen uare-coste he sumnede ferde of alle þane monne þat he bi-ȝeten mihte.
c. 1425. Eng. Conq. Ireland, 8. Vnder that tyme, Robert Steunes-son hym dyght to wend in-to Irland.
1533. Bellenden, Livy, I. ix. (S.T.S.), I. 51. Legatis war send on athir side vnder ane tyme desiring redres of all displeseris.
1597. J. Payne, Royal Exch., 5. Now ys the tyme vnder lyfe to help one another; but when … breathe ys gon, neyther angells nor Apostles can geve any help.
1662. Stillingfl., Orig. Sacræ, II. vi. § 8. Not that these things should really be under Gospell times.
a. 1670. Spalding, Troub. Chas. I. (1851), II. 396. Wnder speiking this Williame Forbes schootis the gentilman with ane pistoll deid.
† b. With demonstrative pronouns: During this or that time; meantime, meanwhile. Obs.
c. 893. K. Ælfred, Oros., II. ii. 66. He … him ʓehet ðæt he his rice wið hiene dælan wolde, & hiene under ðæm ofsloʓ.
a. 900. O. E. Chron. (Parker MS.), an. 876. Hie þa under þam hie nihtes bestælon … into Escanceaster. Ibid. (a. 1122), (Laud MS.), an. 1046. Ða wearð hit under þam þet þam cynge com word [etc.].
c. 1205. Lay., 6433. Wnder þon hær com tidinde. Ibid., 9660. Vnder þan comen tiðende.
a. 1225. Leg. Kath., 1858. Under þis com þe þurs Maxence … aȝein to his kineburh.
1297. R. Glouc. (Rolls), 2503. Þer come out of germaynie vnder þat … ssipes eiȝtetene.
a. 1300. Floriz & Bl., 635. The children awoken under thon.
