(a) Nearest in position or distance; neighboring, adjacent, contiguous; closest (to sb., sth., or a place); ~ wei, the most direct route, shortest way; (b) closest (to profits or benefits); (c) of days, months, etc.: closest in time, immediately following or forthcoming; (d) of circumstances, occasions, activities, and the like: next ensuing; most imminent; also, immediately preceding, recent; ~ at (to) honde [see hond(e ld.]; (e) in sayings.

(a) Closest in kinship, friendship, or association; most intimate; ?also, closely related [quot.: c1430]; most closely related or privy (to sb.); ~ of blod (kinrede); ~ allie (cosin, frend, kin, etc.); ~ heir, most immediate heir; (b) closest in spiritual relationship or divine kinship; spiritually nearest (to God); of the Virgin Mary: ?most friendly or understanding; (c) bearing closest resemblance; most similar (to sth.); of a color: closest (to another) in the spectrum; also, closer (to another).

(a) Immediately succeeding or preceding in regnal or hierarchical succession; next in order of birth; ~ enheritour, immediate successor to a ruler; ~ of kinde, next in line of succession; ~ to, succeeding (a pagan god); (b) of words, letters, chapters, etc.: immediately following in a sequence, narrative, etc.; also, immediately preceding; (c) immediately following in rank, position, or achievement; closest (to sb. or sth.) in rank or quality; ?also, highest ranking [quot.: a1500]; (d) of the best ~, ranking next to the best in breed, of the second best quality.

(a) Most likely; ~ to curs, in greatest danger of being cursed; (b) quickest; ?easiest; (c) most urgent or pressing.