(a) Of persons: best, finest, greatest; also, highest in rank; ~ frend, closest friend; on the ~, one of the best; (b) of things, actions, conditions, etc.: best, most excellent or desirable, of highest quality, most advantageous; ~ is ever mete, moderation is always best; ~ wone, best course of action, best opportunity; most ~, very best; (c) alre ~, alder ~, best of all, very best [see also alder- prefix]; (d) next ~, next in order of value; seconde ~, second best; thrid ~, fourthe ~.