Meaner

Mean \Mean\ (m[=e]n), a. [Compar. {Meaner} (m[=e]n"[~e]r);
   superl. {Meanest}.] [OE. mene, AS. m[=ae]ne wicked; akin to
   m[=a]n, a., wicked, n., wickedness, OS. m[=e]n wickedness,
   OHG. mein, G. meineid perjury, Icel. mein harm, hurt, and
   perh. to AS. gem[=ae]ne common, general, D. gemeen, G.
   gemein, Goth. gam['a]ins, and L. communis. The AS. gem[=ae]ne
   prob. influenced the meaning.]
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   1. Destitute of distinction or eminence; common; low; vulgar;
      humble. "Of mean parentage." --Sir P. Sidney.
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            The mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth
            himself.                              --Is. ii. 9.
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   2. Wanting dignity of mind; low-minded; base; destitute of
      honor; spiritless; as, a mean motive.
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            Can you imagine I so mean could prove,
            To save my life by changing of my love ? --Dryden.
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   3. Of little value or account; worthy of little or no regard;
      contemptible; despicable.
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            The Roman legions and great Caesar found
            Our fathers no mean foes.             --J. Philips.
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   4. Of poor quality; as, mean fare.
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   5. Penurious; stingy; close-fisted; illiberal; as, mean
      hospitality.
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   Note: Mean is sometimes used in the formation of compounds,
         the sense of which is obvious without explanation; as,
         meanborn, mean-looking, etc.
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   Syn: Base; ignoble; abject; beggarly; wretched; degraded;
        degenerate; vulgar; vile; servile; menial; spiritless;
        groveling; slavish; dishonorable; disgraceful; shameful;
        despicable; contemptible; paltry; sordid. See {Base}.
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