I. bi-ˈnēth, bē- adverb
Etymology: Middle English benethe, from Old English beneothan, from be- + neothan below; akin to Old English nithera nether — more at nether
Date: before 12th century
1. : in or to a lower position : below
the mountains and the towns beneath
2. : directly under : underneath
II. preposition
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : in or to a lower position than : below
beneath the surface
b. : directly under
the ground beneath her feet
c. : at the foot of
a camp beneath a hill
2. : not suitable to the rank of : unworthy of
beneath his dignity
3. : under the control, pressure, or influence of
the chair sagged beneath his weight
4. : concealed by : under the guise of
a warm heart beneath a gruff manner