■ adjective ( ~r , ~st )
1》 having or showing a low estimate of one's own importance.
2》 of low rank.
3》 of modest pretensions or dimensions.
■ verb lower in dignity or importance.
↘decisively defeat (a sporting opponent previously thought to be superior).
Phrases
eat ~ pie make a ~ apology and accept humiliation. [ ~ pie is from a pun based on umbles 'offal', considered inferior food.]
Derivatives
~ness noun
humbly adverb
Origin
ME: from OFr., from L. humilis 'low, lowly', from humus 'ground'.