ppl. a. [f. ABASE v. + -ED.]

1

  1.  Lowered, cast down, downcast. arch.

2

1652.  Crashaw, Carmen Deo Nostro, 17.

        Now by abased liddes shall learn to be
Eagles; and shutt our eyes that we may see.

3

1801.  Southey, Thal. (1809), II. xii. 271.

        With head abas’d, he laid
  The arrow in its rest.

4

  2.  Her. = Fr. Abaissé: Turned downwards, as the wings of an eagle. Also, said of a charge when placed lower than its customary position; opposed to enhanced.

5

1741.  Chambers, Cycl.

6

  3.  Lowered, humbled, in rank, condition, character, feelings, etc.

7

1611.  Bible, Phil. iv. 12. I know both how to be abased, and I knowe how to abound [Wyclif lowid, Tindale cast doune].

8

1782.  Cowper, Retiremt., 94. I shrink abas’d, and yet aspire to Thee.

9

1823.  Scott, Peveril, 255 (1865). It is well he is abased; but if it lies with me, I may humble his pride, but will never ruin his house.

10

1863.  Mrs. Jameson, Leg. of Monast. Orders, 348. He knew not how to deal with ruffians so abased.

11

  † 4.  Debased, depreciated, as coinage. Obs.

12