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.
Mean, a. [OE. mene, OF. meiien, F. moyen, fr. L. medianus that is in
the middle, fr. medius; akin to E. mid. See Mid.] 1. Occupying a middle
position; middle; being about midway between extremes.
Being of middle age and a mean stature.
Sir. P. Sidney.