(a) Denoting relation to some thing or person that is superior, weighs
upon, oppresses, bows down, governs, directs, influences powerfully, or
the like, in a relation of subjection, subordination, obligation,
liability, or the like; as, to travel under a heavy load; to live under
extreme oppression; to have fortitude under the evils of life; to have
patience under pain, or under misfortunes; to behave like a Christian
under reproaches and injuries; under the pains and penalties of the
law; the condition under which one enters upon an office; under the
necessity of obeying the laws; under vows of chastity.
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Both Jews and Gentiles . . . are all under sin.
Rom. iii. 9.
That led the embattled seraphim to war Under thy conduct.
Milton.
Who have their provand Only for bearing burdens, and sore blows For
sinking under them.
Shak.
(b) Denoting relation to something that exceeds in rank or degree, in
number, size, weight, age, or the like; in a relation of the less to
the greater, of inferiority, or of falling short.
Three sons he dying left under age.
Spenser.
Medicines take effect sometimes under, and sometimes above, the natural
proportion of their virtue.
Hooker.
There are several hundred parishes in England under twenty pounds a
year.
Swift.
It was too great an honor for any man under a duke.
Addison.
Hence, it sometimes means at, with, or for, less than; as, he would not
sell the horse under sixty dollars.
Several young men could never leave the pulpit under half a dozen
conceits.
Swift.
(c) Denoting relation to something that comprehends or includes, that
represents or designates, that furnishes a cover, pretext, pretense, or
the like; as, he betrayed him under the guise of friendship; Morpheus
is represented under the figure of a boy asleep.
A crew who, under names of old renown . . . abused Fanatic Egypt.
Milton.
Mr. Duke may be mentioned under the double capacity of a poet and a
divine.
Felton.
Under this head may come in the several contests and wars betwixt popes
and the secular princes.