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. [ 1913 Webster ]

I have a wife, the worst that may be. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,
Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. That which is most bad or evil; the most severe, pernicious, calamitous, or wicked state or degree. [ 1913 Webster ]

The worst is not
So long as we can say, This is the worst. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

He is always sure of finding diversion when the worst comes to the worst. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The . . . Philistines were worsted by the captivated ark. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To grow worse; to deteriorate. [ R. ] “Every face . . . worsting.” Jane Austen. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ From Worsted, now spelled Worstead, a town in Norfolk, England; for Worthstead. See Worth, n., and Stead. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Well-twisted yarn spun of long-staple wool which has been combed to lay the fibers parallel, used for carpets, cloth, hosiery, gloves, and the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fine and soft woolen yarn, untwisted or lightly twisted, used in knitting and embroidery. [ 1913 Webster ]