01 prep. Below or lower, in place or position, with the idea of being covered; lower than; beneath; -- opposed to over; as, he stood under a tree; t…
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1.
Below or lower, in place or position, with the idea of being covered; lower than; beneath; -- opposed to over; as, he stood under a tree; the carriage is under cover; a cellar extends under the whole house.“Fruit put in bottles, and the bottles let down into wells under water, will keep long.” — Bacon.“Be gathered now, ye waters under heaven, Into one place.” — Milton.
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2.
Denoting relation to some thing or person that is superior, weighs upon, oppresses, bows down, governs, directs, influences powerfully, or the like, in a relation of subjection, subordination, obligation, liability, or the like; as, to travel under a heavy load; to live under extreme oppression; to have fortitude under the evils of life; to have patience under pain, or under misfortunes; to behave like a Christian under reproaches and injuries; under the pains and penalties of the law; the condition under which one enters upon an office; under the necessity of obeying the laws; under vows of chastity.“Both Jews and Gentiles . . . are all under sin.” — Rom. iii. 9.“That led the embattled seraphim to war Under thy conduct.” — Milton.“Who have their provand Only for bearing burdens, and sore blows For sinking under them.” — Shak.
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3.
Denoting relation to something that exceeds in rank or degree, in number, size, weight, age, or the like; in a relation of the less to the greater, of inferiority, or of falling short.“Three sons he dying left under age.” — Spenser.“Medicines take effect sometimes under, and sometimes above, the natural proportion of their virtue.” — Hooker.“There are several hundred parishes in England under twenty pounds a year.” — Swift.“It was too great an honor for any man under a duke.” — Addison.“Several young men could never leave the pulpit under half a dozen conceits.” — Swift.
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4.
Denoting relation to something that comprehends or includes, that represents or designates, that furnishes a cover, pretext, pretense, or the like; as, he betrayed him under the guise of friendship; Morpheus is represented under the figure of a boy asleep.“A crew who, under names of old renown . . . abused Fanatic Egypt.” — Milton.“Mr. Duke may be mentioned under the double capacity of a poet and a divine.” — Felton.“Under this head may come in the several contests and wars betwixt popes and the secular princes.” — C. Leslie.
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5.
Less specifically, denoting the relation of being subject, of undergoing regard, treatment, or the like; as, a bill under discussion.“Abject and lost, lay these, covering the flood, Under amazement of their hideous change.” — Milton.
Phrases & compounds
Under arms —
Drawn up fully armed and equipped.
Under canvas —
Moved or propelled by sails; -- said of any vessel with her sail set, but especially of a steamer using her sails only, as distinguished from one under steam. Under steam and canvas signifies that a vessel is using both means of propulsion.
Under fire —
exposed to an enemy's fire; taking part in a battle or general engagement.
Under ground —
below the surface of the ground.
Under one's signature —
with one's signature or name subscribed; attested or confirmed by one's signature. Cf. the second Note under Over, prep.
Under sail —
With anchor up, and under the influence of sails; moved by sails; in motion.
Under sentence —
having had one's sentence pronounced.
Under the breath —
with low voice; very softly.
Under the lee —
to the leeward; as, under the lee of the land.
Under the gun —
Under psychological pressure, such as the need to meet a pressing deadline; feeling pressured
Under water —
below the surface of the water.
Under way —
in a condition to make progress; having started.