\Be*neath"\, prep. [OE. benethe, bineo[eth]en, AS.
beneo[eth]an, beny[eth]an; pref. be- + neo[eth]an, ny[eth]an,
downward, beneath, akin to E. nether. See {Nether}.]
1. Lower in place, with something directly over or on; under;
   underneath; hence, at the foot of. ``Beneath the mount.''
   --Ex. xxxii. 19.
         Beneath a rude and nameless stone he lies. --Pope.
2. Under, in relation to something that is superior, or that
   oppresses or burdens.
         Our country sinks beneath the yoke.   --Shak.
3. Lower in rank, dignity, or excellence than; as, brutes are
   beneath man; man is beneath angels in the scale of beings.
   Hence: Unworthy of; unbecoming.
         He will do nothing that is beneath his high station.
                                               --Atterbury.

\Be*neath"\, adv.
1. In a lower place; underneath.
         The earth you take from beneath will be barren.
                                               --Mortimer.
2. Below, as opposed to heaven, or to any superior region or
   position; as, in earth beneath.