NETHER, adjective [This word is of the comparative degree; the positive occurs only in composition, as in beneath. It is used only in implied comparison, as in the nether part, the nether millstone; but we never say, one part is nether than another. It is not much used.] 1. Lower; lying or being beneath or in the lower part; opposed to upper; as the nether millstone. Distorted all my nether shape thus grew transformd. 2. In a lower place. Twixt upper, nether and surrounding fires. 3. Belonging to the regions below.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI