netherward meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

netherward

adj

Etymology From Middle English nitherward, from Old English niþerweard (“downward, directed downwards, turned downwards”), equivalent to nether + -ward. Cognate with Dutch neerwaarts (“netherward”), German niederwärts (“netherward”).

Of or pertaining to the downward or lower part of something; lower; bottom.

For the ears a noble drink, take the netherward part of radish and elecampane, the broad bishop-wort and hassuck leaves, rue and rose, savine, fever-fue; beat all together, pour over them a sextarius full of ale, ere thou touch meat.1866, Cockayne, Leechdoms, wortcunning, and starcraft of early England:

Lowly.

But celestial imperiousness, love, wrath, and fervour, had proved to be somewhat thrown away on netherward Egdon.1878, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Belgravia:

netherward

adv

Downward.