adj. 1 niggardly; not generous or liberal. 2 (of an action) ignoble, small-minded. 3 (of a person's capacity, understanding, etc.) inferior, poor. 4 (of housing) not imposing in appearance; shabby. 5 a malicious, ill-tempered. b US vicious or aggressive in behaviour. 6 colloq. skilful, formidable (is a mean fighter). 7 colloq. ashamed (feel mean). no mean a very good (that is no mean achievement). mean White = poor White. meanly adv. meanness n.
[ OE mne, gemne f. Gmc ]