Why the word 'mean' in the phrase 'No mean feat' [closed]

Just started wondering this after seeing the phrase in an article. I assumed mean in this context came from the mathematical mean, basically making the phrase mean 'no average feat'. I googled it anyway out of curiosity, the only thing I could find on why this word is used in this phrase (rather than 'it just means small') was it originates from meager which didn't seem right to me.

Just here to see if any of you could clarify that my assumption is correct on its origin.

Solution 1:

An out of date usage of the word "mean" was "small" in the sense of "stingy", rather than "cruel" or unkind as we use it now.

As noted above, in the Free Dictionary the second definition fits; I've also seen it used in 19th and early 20th century writing--Mark Twain comes to mind, "Tom Sawyer" in particular.

Solution 2:

Mean has an archaic meaning of insignificant. Compare two translations of Acts 21:39

But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people." [King James Version]

But Paul said, "I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city; and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people." [New American Standard Version]