Above
ABOVE', preposition
1. Literally, higher in place.
The fowls that fly above the earth. Genesis 1:20.
2. Figuratively, superior in any respect.
I saw a light above the brightness of the Sun, Acts 26:13.
The price of a virtuous woman is above rubies, Proverbs 31:10.
3. More in number or quantity.
He was seen by above five hundred brethren at once, 1 Corinthians 15:6.
The weight is above a tun.
4. More in degree; in a greater degree.
Hannaniah feared God above many. Nehemiah 7:2.
The serpent is cursed above all cattle. Genesis 3:14.
5. Beyond; in excess.
In stripes above measure. 2 Corinthians 11:23.
God will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
6. Beyond; in a state to be unattainable; as things above comprehension.
7. Too proud for.
This man is above his business.
8. Too elevated in mind or rank; having too much dignity for; as
This man is above mean actions.
9. It is often used elliptically, for heaven, or the celestial regions.
Let not God regard it from above Job 3:4.
The powers above
10. In a book or writing, it denotes before or in a former place, as what has been said above; supra. This mode of speaking originated in the ancient manner of writing, on a strip of parchment, beginning at one end and proceeding to the other. The beginning was the upper end.
ABOVE', adverb
1. Overhead; in a higher place.
2. Before.
3. Chief in rank or power. Deuteronomy 28:1.
ABOVE all is elliptical; above all considerations; chiefly; in preference to other things.
ABOVE board; above the board or table; in open sight; without trick, concealment or deception. This expression is said by Johnson to be borrowed from gamesters, who, when they change their cards, put their hands under the table.