Subordinate, a.
Etymology: [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.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Subordinate, n.
One who stands in order or rank below another; -- distinguished from a principal. Milton.
Subordinate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Subordinated; p. pr. & vb. n. Subordinating.]
1. To place in a lower order or class; to make or consider as of less value or importance; as, to subordinate one creature to another.
2. To make subject; to subject or subdue; as, to subordinate the passions to reason. -- Sub*or"di*nate*ly, adv. -- Sub*or"di*nate*ness, n.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for subordinate; he lists it under auxiliary.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.