ABOVE', prep. 1. Literally, higher in place.The fowls that fly above the earth. Gen. i. 20.2. Figuratively, superior in any respect.I saw a light above the brightness of the Sun, Acts, 26.The price of a virtuous woman is above rubies, Prov. 31.3. More in number or quantity.He was seen by above five hundred brethren at once, 1 Cor. 25. The weight is above a tun.4. More in degree; in a greater degree.Hannaniah feared God above many. Neh. vii. 2.The serpent is cursed above all cattle. Gen. iii.5. Beyond; in excess.In stripes above measure. 2Cor. xi.God will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able, 1 Cor. 10:13.6. Beyond; in a state to be unattainable; as things above comprehension.7. Too proud for.This man is above his business.8. Too elevated in mind or rank; having too much dignity for; asThis man is above mean actions.9. It is often used elliptically, for heaven, or the celestial regions.Let not God regard it from above, Job, 3.The powers above.10. In a book or writing, it denotes before or in a former place, as what has been said above; supra. This mode of speaking originated in the ancient manner of writing, on a strip of parchment, beginning at one end and proceeding to the other. The beginning was the upper end.ABOVE', adv. 1. Overhead; in a higher place.2. Before.3. Chief in rank or power. Deut. 28.Above all is elliptical; above all considerations; chiefly; in preference to other things. Above board; above the board or table; in open sight; without trick, concealment or deception. This expression is said by Johnson to be borrowed from gamesters, who, when they change their cards, put their hands under the table.
|
