to depress the pole

Depress \De*press"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Depressed}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Depressing}.] [L. depressus, p. p. of deprimere; de-
   + premere to press. See {Press}.]
   1. To press down; to cause to sink; to let fall; to lower;
      as, to depress the muzzle of a gun; to depress the eyes.
      "With lips depressed." --Tennyson.
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   2. To bring down or humble; to abase, as pride.
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   3. To cast a gloom upon; to sadden; as, his spirits were
      depressed.
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   4. To lessen the activity of; to make dull; embarrass, as
      trade, commerce, etc.
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   5. To lessen in price; to cause to decline in value; to
      cheapen; to depreciate.
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   6. (Math.) To reduce (an equation) in a lower degree.
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   {To depress the pole} (Naut.), to cause the sidereal pole to
      appear lower or nearer the horizon, as by sailing toward
      the equator.

   Syn: To sink; lower; abase; cast down; deject; humble;
        degrade; dispirit; discourage.
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