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2 definitions found
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 :   [ gcide ]

  Best \Best\, n.
     Utmost; highest endeavor or state; most nearly perfect thing,
     or being, or action; as, to do one's best; to the best of our
     ability.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     At best, in the utmost degree or extent applicable to the
        case; under the most favorable circumstances; as, life is
        at best very short.
  
     For best, finally. [Obs.] ``Those constitutions . . . are
        now established for best, and not to be mended.''
        --Milton.
  
     To get the best of, to gain an advantage over, whether
        fairly or unfairly.
  
     To make the best of.
     (a) To improve to the utmost; to use or dispose of to the
         greatest advantage. ``Let there be freedom to carry their
         commodities where they can make the best of them.''
         --Bacon.
     (b) To reduce to the least possible inconvenience; as, to
         make the best of ill fortune or a bad bargain.
         [1913 Webster]

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) :   [ web1913 ]

  Best \Best\, n.
     Utmost; highest endeavor or state; most nearly perfect thing,
     or being, or action; as, to do one's best; to the best of our
     ability.
  
     At best, in the utmost degree or extent applicable to the
        case; under the most favorable circumstances; as, life is
        at best very short.
  
     For best, finally. [Obs.] ``Those constitutions . . . are
        now established for best, and not to be mended.''
        --Milton.
  
     To get the best of, to gain an advantage over, whether
        fairly or unfairly.
  
     To make the best of.
     (a) To improve to the utmost; to use or dispose of to the
         greatest advantage. ``Let there be freedom to carry their
         commodities where they can make the best of them.''
         --Bacon.
     (b) To reduce to the least possible inconvenience; as, to
         make the best of ill fortune or a bad bargain.

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