from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Downward \Down"ward\, Downwards \Down"wards\, adv. [AS.
ad?nweard. See {Down}, adv., and {-ward}.]
1. From a higher place to a lower; in a descending course;
as, to tend, move, roll, look, or take root, downward or
downwards. "Looking downwards." --Pope.
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Their heads they downward bent. --Drayton.
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2. From a higher to a lower condition; toward misery,
humility, disgrace, or ruin.
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And downward fell into a groveling swine. --Milton.
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3. From a remote time; from an ancestor or predecessor; from
one to another in a descending line.
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A ring the county wears,
That downward hath descended in his house,
From son to son, some four or five descents. --Shak.
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