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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Most

Mōst, a.

adjective

(20), a.; superl. of more. [Scot. mast, maist, A-S. mæst, Goth. maists, O. Sax., O. D., & Icel. mest, Dan. & D. meest, Sw. mast, O. & N. H. Ger. meist.] 1. Consisting of the greatest number or quantity; excelling in quantity; greatest; with plural, excelling in number; numerous beyond others. Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness. Prov. xx. 6. 2. Superior to all others; of higher rank or degree; of greatest consideration; greatest. [Obs.] And every of them strove with most delight / Him to aggrate. Spenser. ☞ Most is used as a noun, the words part, portion, quantity, &c., being omitted, and has the following meanings: 1. The greatest number or part; preponderating portion; highest or chief part. “Envenoming the hearts of most and least.” Spenser. 2. The utmost; furthest possible amount or degree; especially in the phrases to make the most of, at the most, to the most. “Your actions ever driven to the most.” J. Fletcher. A covetous man makes the most of what he has, and can get. L’Estrange. — Most an end, generally; all the time. [Obs.] “She sleeps most an end.” Massinger.

Mōst, adv.

adverb

[A-S. mæst, Goth. maist. See supra.] In the greatest or highest degree.

Those nearest the king, and most his favorites, were courtiers and prelates. Milton.

☞ Placed before an adjective or adverb, most is used to form the superlative degree, being equivalent to the termination est; as, most vile; most wicked; most illustrious; most rapidly.