Sub‐or″di‐nate (?), a. [Pref. sub + L. ordinatus, p. p. of ordinare to set in order, to arrange. See Ordain.] 1. Placed in a lower order, class, or rank; holding a lower or inferior position.
The several kinds and subordinate species of each are easily distinguished. Woodward.
2. Inferior in order, nature, dignity, power, importance, or the like.
It was subordinate, not enslaved, to the understanding. South.