most an end

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Most \Most\ (m[=o]st), a., superl. of More. [OE. most, mast, mest, AS. m[=ae]st; akin to D. meest, OS. m[=e]st, G. meist, Icel. mestr, Goth. maists; a superl. corresponding to E. more. [root]103. See More, a.]

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." --Prov. xx. 6. [1913 Webster]

The cities wherein most of his mighty works were done.— Matt. xi. 20.[1913 Webster]

2.Greatest in degree; as, he has the most need of it. "In the moste pride." --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

3.Highest in rank; greatest. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

A quarter of a year or some months at the most.— Bacon.[1913 Webster]

A covetous man makes the most of what he has.— L'Estrange.[1913 Webster]

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." --Massinger. [1913 Webster]