Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-BOVE', adv.

1. Overhead; in a higher place. – Bacon.
2. Before. – Dryden.
3. Chief in rank or power. – Deut. xxviii. Above all is elliptical; above all considerations; chiefly; in preference to other things. Above board; above the board or table; in open sight; without trick, concealment or deception. This expression is said by Johnson to be borrowed from gamesters, who, when they change their cards, put their hands under the table.