With ref. to a concrete object, structure, physical place, etc.: (a) above that or it, above those or them, positioned over it or them; also, on top of that or them [quots. ?a1450(a1400) & ?a1450]; maken blessinge (signe) ~, seien orisoun ~, to make a blessing (sign) over it, say a prayer over it; wenden ~, of the sea: wash over it; (b) across that, over it; ?also, with ref. to a bridge or an obstacle: over by means of that, across on it [quots. 1st and a1400].

With ref. to an abstract entity, abstraction, etc.: (a) with ref. to a realm: presiding over it, ruling there; (b) with ref. to an undertaking or a task, in fig. context: ben wright ~, to supervise it, be in charge of it; (c) with ref. to fleshly desire: haven maistrie ~, to have control over it, subjugate it.