| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Above par. | | |
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A commercial term meaning that the article referred to is more than its nominal value. Thus, if you must give more than £100 for a £100 share in a bank company, a railway share, or other stock, we say the stock is “above par.” | 1 |
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If, on the other hand, a nominal £100 worth can be bought for less than £100, we say the stock is “below par.” | 2 |
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Figuratively, a person in low spirits or ill health says he is “below par.” | 3 |
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