most an end

1 definition found

most an end - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Most \Most\ (m[=o]st), a., superl. of More. [OE. most, mast,
     mest, AS. m[=ae]st; akin to D. meest, OS. m[=e]st, G. meist,
     Icel. mestr, Goth. maists; a superl. corresponding to E.
     more. [root]103. See More, a.]
     1. Consisting of the greatest number or quantity; greater in
        number or quantity than all the rest; nearly all. "Most
        men will proclaim every one his own goodness." --Prov. xx.
        6.
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              The cities wherein most of his mighty works were
              done.                                 --Matt. xi.
                                                    20.
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     2. Greatest in degree; as, he has the most need of it. "In
        the moste pride." --Chaucer.
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     3. Highest in rank; greatest. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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     Note: Most is used as a noun, the words part, portion,
           quantity, etc., being omitted, and has the following
           meanings: 1. The greatest value, number, or part;
           preponderating portion; highest or chief part. 2. The
           utmost; greatest possible amount, degree, or result;
           especially in the phrases to make the most of, at the
           most, at most.
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                 A quarter of a year or some months at the most.
                                                    --Bacon.
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                 A covetous man makes the most of what he has.
                                                    --L'Estrange.
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     For the most part, in reference to the larger part of a
        thing, or to the majority of the persons, instances, or
        things referred to; as, human beings, for the most part,
        are superstitious; the view, for the most part, was
        pleasing.
  
     Most an end, generally. See An end, under End, n.
        [Obs.] "She sleeps most an end." --Massinger.
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