adj. & n.
adj. 1 in a higher position; of higher rank (a superior officer; a superior court). 2 a above the average in quality etc. (made of superior leather). b having or showing a high opinion of oneself; supercilious (had a superior air). 3 (often foll. by to) a better or greater in some respect (superior to its rivals in speed). b above yielding, making concessions, paying attention, etc. (is superior to bribery; superior to temptation). 4 further above or out; higher, esp.: a Astron. (of a planet) having an orbit further from the sun than the earth's. b Zool. (of an insect's wings) folding over others. c Printing (of figures or letters) placed above the line. d Bot. (of the calyx) above the ovary. e Bot. (of the ovary) above the calyx.
n. 1 a person superior to another in rank, character, etc. (is deferential to his superiors; is his superior in courage). 2 (fem. superioress) Eccl. the head of a monastery or other religious institution (Mother Superior; Father Superior). 3 Printing a superior letter or figure. superior numbers esp. Mil. more men etc. or their strength (overcome by superior numbers). superior persons esp. iron. the better educated or élite; prigs. superiorly adv.
[ ME f. OF superiour f. L superior -oris, compar. of superus that is above f. super above ]