† downˈbear, v. Obs.
trans. To bear down, press down, cause to sink; fig. to oppress. Hence down-ˈbearing vbl. n. and ppl. a.
| c 1330 R. Brunne Chron. (1810) 158 A tempest on him light, His schip was dounborn. a 1340 Hampole Psalter lxxxviii. 41 Þou heghed þe right hand of downberand him. 1680 G. Hickes Spirit of Popery Pref. 5 For the Down⁓bearing of the Gospel. 1690 Norris Beatitudes (1694) I. 230 Such a full down-bearing Perswasion. 1834 Fonblanque Eng. under 7 Administ. (1837) III. 130 Hemmed in and downborne by an overpowering opposition. |