(a) In the best way, most completely, most effectively, most excellently; born ~, of highest birth; ~ faring, handsomest; haven ~, to possess (land) with least burden or restriction; (b) alre ~, alder ~, alther ~, ~ of al, best of all [see also alder- prefix]; (c) as (one) ~ can or mai, as best (one) can, to the best of (one's) ability; so we ~ mowen, as well as we can; (d) liken ~, plesen ~, be most pleasing (to sb.); semen ~, thinken ~, seem best (to sb.); bi)semen ~, be most fitting, be most suitable (for sb.); (e) in impers. constructions with ben [often difficult to distinguish from best(e n. (1)]: ben ~, to be best (for sb.), be for the best.

As intensive: in the greatest degree, most; ~ beloved, most loved, favorite; -- also as noun; most ~, the very most.