ˈoverling
[f. over adv. + -ling. Cf. underling.]
One who is over others; a superior.
| 1340 Ayenb. 8 To þam þet habbeþ þe lokingge ous to teche..ase byeþ þe ouerlinges of holy cherche. ? a 1400 Morte Arth. 289 Thow aughte to be overlynge over alle oþer kynges. 1917 [see idle a. 8 a]. 1976 New Yorker 22 Nov. 109/2 In Pinter's world, servants and other underlings are always filled with menace; the ominous likelihood is that they will prove to be overlings. |