Above (&unr_;), prep. [OE. above, aboven, abuffe, AS. abufon; an (or on) on + be by + ufan upward; cf. Goth. uf under. √199. See Over.] 1. In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface; over; -- opposed to below or beneath.
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Fowl that may fly above the earth. Gen. i. 20.
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2. Figuratively, higher than; superior to in any respect; surpassing; beyond; higher in measure or degree than; as, things above comprehension; above mean actions; conduct above reproach. “Thy worth . . . is actions above my gifts.” Marlowe.
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I saw in the way a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun. Acts xxxvi. 13.
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3. Surpassing in number or quantity; more than; as, above a hundred. (Passing into the adverbial sense. See Above, adv., 4.)
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above all, before every other consideration; chiefly; in preference to other things.
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Over and above, prep. or adv., besides; in addition to.
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