Beneath (&unr_;), prep. [OE. benethe, bineoðen, AS. beneoðan, benyðan; pref. be- + neoðan, nyðan, downward, beneath, akin to E. nether. See Nether.] 1. Lower in place, with something directly over or on; under; underneath; hence, at the foot of. “Beneath the mount.” Ex. xxxii. 19.
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Beneath a rude and nameless stone he lies. Pope.
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2. Under, in relation to something that is superior, or that oppresses or burdens.
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Our country sinks beneath the yoke. Shak.
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3. Lower in rank, dignity, or excellence than; as, brutes are beneath man; man is beneath angels in the scale of beings. Hence: Unworthy of; unbecoming.
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He will do nothing that is beneath his high station. Atterbury.
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