netherward

English

Etymology

From Middle English nitherward, from Old English niþerweard (“downward, directed downwards, turned downwards”), equivalent to nether +‎ -ward. Cognate with Dutch neerwaarts (“netherward”), German niederwärts (“netherward”).

Adjective

netherward (comparative more netherward, superlative most netherward)

1. Of or pertaining to the downward or lower part of something; lower; bottom.
   • 1866, Cockayne, Leechdoms, wortcunning, and starcraft of early England:

     For the ears a noble drink, take the netherward part of radish and elecampane, the broad bishop-wort and hassuck leaves, rue and rose, savine, fever-fue; beat all together, pour over them a sextarius full of ale, ere thou touch meat.

2. Lowly.
   • 1878, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Belgravia:

     But celestial imperiousness, love, wrath, and fervour, had proved to be somewhat thrown away on netherward Egdon.

Adverb

netherward (comparative more netherward, superlative most netherward)

1. Downward.