MOST (2)

Most, adv. [[AS. mǣst. See Most, a.]] In the greatest or highest degree. Those nearest to this 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. Formerly, and until after the Elizabethan period of our literature, the use of the double superlative was common. See More, adv. The most unkindest cut of all. Shak. The most straitest sect of our religion. Acts xxvi. 5.