scarcest

1 definition found

scarcest - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Scarce \Scarce\ (sk[^a]rs), a. [Compar. Scarcer
     (sk[^a]r"s[~e]r); superl. Scarcest.] [OE. scars, OF.
     escars, eschars, LL. scarpsus, excarpsus, for L. excerptus,
     p. p. of excerpere to pick out, and hence to contract, to
     shorten; ex (see Ex-) + carpere. See Carpet, and cf.
     Excerp.]
     1. Not plentiful or abundant; in small quantity in proportion
        to the demand; not easily to be procured; rare; uncommon.
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              You tell him silver is scarcer now in England, and
              therefore risen one fifth in value.   --Locke.
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              The scarcest of all is a Pescennius Niger on a
              medallion well preserved.             --Addison.
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     2. Scantily supplied (with); deficient (in); -- with of.
        [Obs.] "A region scarce of prey." --Milton.
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     3. Sparing; frugal; parsimonious; stingy. [Obs.] "Too scarce
        ne too sparing." --Chaucer.
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     To make one's self scarce, to decamp; to depart. [Slang]
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     Syn: Rare; infrequent; deficient. See Rare.
          [1913 Webster] Scarce