Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Lower?

\Low"er\, a. Compar. of {Low}, a.
\Low"er\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lowered}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Lowering}.] [From {Low}, a.] 1. To let descend by its own weight, as something suspended; to let down; as, to lower a bucket into a well; to lower a sail or a boat; sometimes, to pull down; as, to lower a flag. Lowered softly with a threefold cord of love Down to a silent grave. --Tennyson. 2. To reduce the height of; as, to lower a fence or wall; to lower a chimney or turret. 3. To depress as to direction; as, to lower the aim of a gun; to make less elevated as to object; as, to lower one's ambition, aspirations, or hopes. 4. To reduce the degree, intensity, strength, etc., of; as, to lower the temperature of anything; to lower one's vitality; to lower distilled liquors. 5. To bring down; to humble; as, to lower one's pride. 6. To reduce in value, amount, etc.; as, to lower the price of goods, the rate of interest, etc.
\Low"er\, v. i. To fall; to sink; to grow less; to diminish; to decrease; as, the river lowered as rapidly as it rose.
\Low"er\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lowered}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Lowering}.] [OE. lowren, luren; cf. D. loeren, LG. luren. G. lauern to lurk, to be on the watch, and E. leer, lurk.] 1. To be dark, gloomy, and threatening, as clouds; to be covered with dark and threatening clouds, as the sky; to show threatening signs of approach, as a tempest. All the clouds that lowered upon our house. --Shak. 2. To frown; to look sullen. But sullen discontent sat lowering on her face. --Dryden.
\Low"er\, n. [Obs.] 1. Cloudiness; gloominess. 2. A frowning; sullenness.