netherward

English

Etymology

From Middle English nitherward, from Old English niþerweard (downward, directed downwards, turned downwards), equivalent to nether + -ward. Cognate with Dutch neerwaarts (netherward), German niederwärts (netherward).

Adjective

netherward (comparative more netherward, superlative most netherward)

  1. Of or pertaining to the downward or lower part of something; lower; bottom.
    • 1866, Cockayne, Leechdoms, wortcunning, and starcraft of early England:
      For the ears a noble drink, take the netherward part of radish and elecampane, the broad bishop-wort and hassuck leaves, rue and rose, savine, fever-fue; beat all together, pour over them a sextarius full of ale, ere thou touch meat.
  2. Lowly.
    • 1878, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Belgravia:
      But celestial imperiousness, love, wrath, and fervour, had proved to be somewhat thrown away on netherward Egdon.

Adverb

netherward (comparative more netherward, superlative most netherward)

  1. Downward.
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