MOST

most. Most, a. greatest in number or quantity

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Most (mōst), a., superl. of More. [[OE. most, mast, mest, AS. mǣst; akin to D. meest, OS. mēst, G. meist, Icel. mestr, Goth. maists; a superl. corresponding to E. more. √103. See More, a.]] 1. 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.
The cities wherein most of his mighty works were done. Matt. xi. 20. 2. 2. Greatest in degree; as, he has the most need of it. “In the moste pride.” Chaucer.
3. 3. Highest in rank; greatest. Chaucer.
☞ 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. A quarter of a year or some months at the most. Bacon. A covetous man makes the most of what he has. L'Estrange. 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. “She sleeps most an end.” Massinger.