What mean these seven ewe lambs ?
Gen. xxi. 29.
Go ye, and learn what that meaneth.
Matt. ix. 13.
Mean, v. i. To have a purpose or intention. [Rare, except in the phrase
to mean well, or ill.] Shak.
Mean (mn), a. [Compar. Meaner (mn"r); superl. Meanest.] [OE. mene, AS.
mne wicked; akin to mn, a., wicked, n., wickedness, OS. mn wickedness,
OHG. mein, G. meineid perjury, Icel. mein harm, hurt, and perh. to AS.
gemne common, general, D. gemeen, G. gemein, Goth. gamáins, and L.
communis. The AS. gemne 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 Cæsar found Our fathers no mean foes.
J. Philips.