1  definition  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Mean  \Mean\,  a.  [Compar.  {Meaner};  superl.  {Meanest}.]  [OE. 
  mene,  AS  m?ne  wicked;  akin  to  m[=a]n,  a.,  wicked,  n., 
  wickedness,  OS  m?n  wickedness,  OHG.  mein,  G.  meineid 
  perjury,  Icel.  mein  harm,  hurt,  and  perh.  to  AS  gem?ne 
  common,  general,  D.  gemeen  G.  gemein  Goth.  gam['a]ins,  and 
  L.  communis.  The  AS  gem?ne  prob.  influenced  the  meaning.] 
  1.  Destitute  of  distinction  or  eminence;  common;  low  vulgar; 
  humble.  ``Of  mean  parentage.''  --Sir  P.  Sidney. 
 
  The  mean  man  boweth  down  and  the  great  man  humbleth 
  himself.  --Is.  ii  9. 
 
  2.  Wanting  dignity  of  mind;  low-minded;  base;  destitute  of 
  honor;  spiritless;  as  a  mean  motive. 
 
  Can  you  imagine  I  so  mean  could  prove,  To  save  my 
  life  by  changing  of  my  love  ?  --Dryden. 
 
  3.  Of  little  value  or  account;  worthy  of  little  or  no  regard; 
  contemptible;  despicable. 
 
  The  Roman  legions  and  great  C[ae]sar  found  Our 
  fathers  no  mean  foes.  --J.  Philips. 
 
  4.  Of  poor  quality;  as  mean  fare. 
 
  5.  Penurious;  stingy;  close-fisted;  illiberal;  as  mean 
  hospitality. 
 
  Note:  Mean  is  sometimes  used  in  the  formation  of  compounds, 
  the  sense  of  which  is  obvious  without  explanation;  as 
  meanborn  mean-looking,  etc 
 
  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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