Worst (?), a., superl. of Bad. [OE. werst, worste, wurste, AS. wyrst, wierst, wierrest. See Worse, a.]
Bad, evil, or pernicious, in the highest degree, whether in a physical or moral sense. See Worse.
"Heard so oft in
worst extremes."
Milton.
I have a wife, the worst that may be.
Chaucer.
If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,
Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
Worst, n.
That which is most bad or evil; the most severe, pernicious, calamitous, or wicked state or degree.
The worst is not
So long as we can say, This is the worst.
Shak.
He is always sure of finding diversion when the worst comes to the worst.
Addison.
© Webster 1913.
Worst, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Worsted; p. pr. & vb. n. Worsting.] [See Worse, v. t. & a.]
To gain advantage over, in contest or competition; to get the better of; to defeat; to overthrow; to discomfit.
The . . . Philistines were worsted by the captivated ark.
South.
© Webster 1913.
Worst, v. i.
To grow worse; to deteriorate.
[R.] "Every face . . .
worsting."
Jane Austen.
© Webster 1913.