Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MEAN, a.¹ [Sax. mæne, gemæne; the latter word signifies common, L. communis. Mean coincides in elements with Sax. mæneg, many, and the primary sense may be a crowd, like vulgar, from L. vulgus. If the primary sense is small, it coincides with Ir. mion, W. mân, or main, Fr. menu, It. meno, L. minor and minuo, to diminish; but I think the word belongs to the root of common. See Class Mn, No. 2 and 5.]

1. Wanting dignity; low in rank or birth; as, a man of mean parentage, mean birth or origin.
2. Wanting dignity of mind; low-minded; base; destitute of honor; spiritless. Can you imagine I so mean could prove, / To save my life by changing of my love? Dryden.
3. Contemptible; despicable. The Roman legions and great Cesar found / Our fathers no mean foes. Philips.
4. Of little value; low in worth or estimation; worthy of little or no regard. We fast, not to please men, nor to promote any mean worldly interest. Smalridge.
5. Of little value; humble; poor; as, a mean abode; a mean dress.