transitive. To reduce or bring down (esp. a person), with respect to power, status, rank, etc.; to humble, bring low; to abase. Also reflexive. Obs…

Phrases (senses 1 2). to bear sail: said literally of a ship; hence figurative to be exalted, to be prosperous, also to bear a great, highor lofty…

intransitive. Chiefly derogatory. Of a person: to speak in a shrill, querulous, or whining voice; to complain. Obsolete.

colloquial. To adopt a humble tone or manner; to use less assertive language, or to qualify or withdraw a previous statement; to say nothing, to be…