adj. & v.
adj. 1 a having or showing a low estimate of one's own importance. b offered with or affected by such an estimate (if you want my humble opinion). 2 of low social or political rank (humble origins). 3 (of a thing) of modest pretensions, dimensions, etc.
v.tr. 1 make humble; bring low; abase. 2 lower the rank or status of. eat humble pie make a humble apology; accept humiliation. humbleness n. humbly adv.
[ ME umble, humble f. OF umble f. L humilis lowly f. humus ground: humble pie f. UMBLES ]