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.