prep. (also amongst) 1 surrounded by; in the company of (lived among the trees; be among friends). 2 in the number of (among us were those who disagreed). 3 an example of; in the class or category of (is among the richest men alive). 4 a between; within the limits of (collectively or distributively); shared by (had $5 among us; divide it among you). b by the joint action or from the joint resources of (among us we can manage it). 5 with one another; by the reciprocal action of (was decided among the participants; talked among themselves). 6 as distinguished from; preeminent in the category of (she is one among many).
[ OE ongemang f. on ON + gemang assemblage (cf. MINGLE): -st = adverbial genitive -s + -t as in AGAINST ]