Emily Dickinson Lexicon

O'VER, prep. [Sax. ober, ofer; Goth. ufar; G. über; D. and Dan. over; Sw. ofver; Gr. ὑπερ, whence probably L. super; Arm. uvar, var, oar, ar; Ir. ar, formerly fair or fer; W. ar; Corn. uar. Qu. Gr. παρα. This word corresponds in sense with עבר in the Shemitic dialects, signifying to pass, in almost any manner; to pass over, as a river, to pass beyond, to pass away, to pass by; in short, to move, depart or go, Sax. faran, to fare. Hence the derivative sense of beyond, either on the other side or above; hence the sense of excess, which supposes the passing of a limit; hence the sense of opposite or against, in the Gr. ὑπερ, for the further side of a river is the opposite side. We do not use the word in this sense, except with against. See Class Br, No. 23. The Persian corresponding word is فَراَ fara, which coincides nearly with the Greek παρα, and both seem to be more directly from the Ar. أفَرَ abara, to go beyond. Class Br, No. 37.]

1. Across; from side to side; implying a passing or moving either above the substance or thing, or on the surface of it. Thus we say, a dog leaps over a stream, or over a table; a boat sails over a lake.
2. Above in place or position; opposed to below; as, the clouds over our heads. The smoke rises over the city. The mercy-seat that is over the testimony. – Ex. xxx.
3. Above, denoting superiority in excellence, dignity or value; as, the advantages which the Christian world has over the heathen. – Swift. Young Pallas shone conspicuous o'er the rest. – Dryden.
4. Above in authority, implying the right or power of superintending or governing; opposed to under. Thou shalt be over my house. – Gen. xii. I will make thee ruler over many things. – Matth. xxv.
5. Upon the surface or whole surface; through the whole extent; as, to wander over the earth; to walk over a field, or over a city.
6. Upon. Watch over your children. Dost thou not watch over my sin? – Job xiv. His tender mercies are over all his works. – Ps. cxlv.
7. During the whole time; from beginning to end; as, to keep any thing over night; to keep corn over winter.
8. Above the top; covering; immersing; as, the water is over the shoes or boots. Over night. In this phrase, over sometimes signifies before; as, when preparing for a journey, we provide things necessary over night. Over, in poetry, is often contracted into o'er.