Definitions of lowly:

• adjective:   used of unskilled work (especially domestic work)
• adjective:   low or inferior in station or quality

  Example: "A lowly parish priest"

• adjective:   of low birth or station (`base' is archaic in this sense)

  Example: "Of humble (or lowly) birth"

• adjective:   inferior in rank or status

  Example: "A lowly corporal"