3. Surpassing in number or quantity; more than; as, above a hundred. (Passing into the adverbial sense. See Above, adv., 4.) above all, before every other consideration; chiefly; in preference to other things. Over and above, prep. or adv., besides; in addition to.
ABOVE
A*bove", adv.
1. In a higher place; overhead; into or from heaven; as, the clouds above.
2. Earlier in order; higher in the same page; hence, in a foregoing page. "That was said above." Dryden.
3. Higher in rank or power; as, he appealed to the court above.
4. More than; as, above five hundred were present.
Note: Above is often used elliptically as an adjective by omitting the word mentioned, quoted, or the like; as, the above observations, the above reference, the above articles. — Above is also used substantively. "The waters that come down from above." Josh. iii. 13. It is also used as the first part of a compound in the sense of before, previously; as, above-cited, above- described, above-mentioned, above-named, abovesaid, abovespecified, above-written, above-given.
ABOVEBOARD
A*bove"board`, adv.
Defn: Above the board or table. Hence: in open sight; without trick, concealment, or deception. "Fair and aboveboard." Burke.
Note: This expression is said by Johnson to have been borrowed from gamesters, who, when they change their cards, put their hands under the table.