above

ABOVE', preposition 1. Literally, higher in place. The fowls that fly above the earth. Genesis 1:20. 2. Figuratively, superior in any respect. I saw a light above the brightness of the Sun, Acts 26:13. The price of a virtuous woman is above rubies, Proverbs 31:10. 3. More in number or quantity. He was seen by above five hundred brethren at once, 1 Corinthians 15:6. The weight is above a tun. 4. More in degree; in a greater degree. Hannaniah feared God above many. Nehemiah 7:2. The serpent is cursed above all cattle. Genesis 3:14. 5. Beyond; in excess. In stripes above measure. 2 Corinthians 11:23. God will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able, 1 Corinthians 10:13. 6. Beyond; in a state to be unattainable; as things above comprehension. 7. Too proud for. This man is above his business. 8. Too elevated in mind or rank; having too much dignity for; as This man is above mean actions. 9. It is often used elliptically, for heaven, or the celestial regions. Let not God regard it from above Job 3:4. The powers above 10. In a book or writing, it denotes before or in a former place, as what has been said above; supra. This mode of speaking originated in the ancient manner of writing, on a strip of parchment, beginning at one end and proceeding to the other. The beginning was the upper end. ABOVE', adverb 1. Overhead; in a higher place. 2. Before. 3. Chief in rank or power. Deuteronomy 28:1. ABOVE all is elliptical; above all considerations; chiefly; in preference to other things. ABOVE board; above the board or table; in open sight; without trick, concealment or deception. This expression is said by Johnson to be borrowed from gamesters, who, when they change their cards, put their hands under the table.