Most a., superl. of More.
1. Consisting of the greatest number or quantity; greater in number or quantity than all the rest; nearly all. “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness.”
The cities wherein most of his mighty works were done. --Matt. xi. 20.
2. Greatest in degree; as, he has the most need of it. “In the moste pride.”
3. Highest in rank; greatest. [Obs.]
Note: ☞ Most is used as a noun, the words part, portion, quantity, etc., being omitted, and has the following meanings: 1. The greatest value, number, or part; preponderating portion; highest or chief part. 2. The utmost; greatest possible amount, degree, or result; especially in the phrases to make the most of, at the most, at most.
A quarter of a year or some months at the most. --Bacon.
A covetous man makes the most of what he has. --L'Estrange.
For the most part, in reference to the larger part of a thing, or to the majority of the persons, instances, or things referred to; as, human beings, for the most part, are superstitious; the view, for the most part, was pleasing.
Most an end, generally. See An end, under End, n. [Obs.] “She sleeps most an end.”