SUBOR'DINATE, adjective [Latin sub and ordinatus, from ordo, order.] 1. Inferior in order, in nature, in dignity, in power, importance, etc.; as subordinate officers. It was subordinate not enslaved, to the understanding. 2. Descending in a regular series. The several kinds and subordinate species of each, are easily distinguished. SUBOR'DINATE, verb transitive To place in order or rank below something else; to make or consider as of less value or importance; as, to subordinate one creature to another; to subordinate temporal to spiritual things. 1. To make subject; as, to subordinate the passions to reason.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI