Beneath \Be*neath"\, prep. [OE. benethe, bineo[eth]en, AS. beneo[eth]an, beny[eth]an; pref. be- + neo[eth]an, ny[eth]an, downward, beneath, akin to E. nether. See Nether.]

1. Lower in place, with something directly over or on; under; underneath; hence, at the foot of. ``Beneath the mount.'' --Ex. xxxii. 19.

Beneath a rude and nameless stone he lies. --Pope.

2. Under, in relation to something that is superior, or that oppresses or burdens.

Our country sinks beneath the yoke. --Shak.

3. Lower in rank, dignity, or excellence than; as, brutes are beneath man; man is beneath angels in the scale of beings. Hence: Unworthy of; unbecoming.

He will do nothing that is beneath his high station. --Atterbury.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Beneath \Be*neath"\, adv.

1. In a lower place; underneath.

The earth you take from beneath will be barren. --Mortimer.

2. Below, as opposed to heaven, or to any superior region or position; as, in earth beneath.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)