ETYM For older adown, AS. adôn, adône, prop., from or off the hill. Related to Down, Adown, Adown.
1. Spatially or metaphorically from a higher to a lower level or position; SYN. downwards, downward, downwardly.
2. Away from a more central or a more northerly place.
3. From an earlier time.
4. In an inactive or inoperative state.
5. Paid in cash at time of purchase.
6. To a lower intensity.

Moving down; moving toward the bottom.