The literal sense of abase is to lower or depress, to throw or cast down, as used by Bacon, “to abase the eye.” But the word is seldom used in reference to material things.

To cast down; to reduce low; to depress; to humble; to degrade; applied to the passions, rank, office, and condition in life. Those that walk in pride he is able to abase. Daniel 4:37. Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased, Matthew 23:12; Job 40:11; 2 Corinthians 11:7.