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Mean \Mean\ (m[=e]n), a. [Compar. {Meaner} (m[=e]n"[~e]r);
superl. {Meanest}.] [OE. mene, AS. m[=ae]ne wicked; akin to
m[=a]n, a., wicked, n., wickedness, OS. m[=e]n wickedness,
OHG. mein, G. meineid perjury, Icel. mein harm, hurt, and
perh. to AS. gem[=ae]ne common, general, D. gemeen, G.
gemein, Goth. gam['a]ins, and L. communis. The AS. gem[=ae]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}.