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g to optimism; tending, or conforming, to the opinion that all events are ordered for the best.

The state of being best. [R.] Bailey.

ignity or benefice in the gift of a suffragan bishop consecrated or confirmed by him, for bestowal by himself when next vacant; -- annulled by Parliament in 1845.

race on those ordained. -- In order to, for the purpose of; to the end; as means to. The best knowledge is that which is of greatest use in order to our eternal happiness. Tillotson. -- Minor orders (R. C. Ch.), orders beneath the diaconate in sacramental dignity, as acolyte, exorcist, reader, doorkeeper. -- Money or…

The countries of Asia or the East. Chaucer. Best built city throughout the Orient. Sir T. Herbert.

in wet places in Europe and Asia, and introduced into North America. It is considered the best of the willows for basket work. The name is sometimes given to any kind of willow.

A large bird of the genus Struthio, of which Struthio camelus of Africa is the best known species. It has long and very strong legs, adapted for rapid running; only two toes; a long neck, nearly bare of feathers; and short wings incapable of flight. The adult male is about eight feet high.

In other respects. It is said, truly, that the best men otherwise are not always the best in regard of society. Hooker.

An overflow; that which overflows; exuberance; copiousness. He was ready to bestow the overflowings of his full mind on anybody who would start a subject. Macaulay.

d beyond (anything) without seeing it; to miss or omit in looking; hence, to refrain from bestowing notice or attention upon; to neglect; to pass over without censure or punishment; to excuse. The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. Acts xvii. 30 (Rev. Ver. ) They overlook truth in the judgments they pass. Att…

To have or possess, as something derived or bestowed; to be obliged to ascribe (something to some source); to be indebted or obliged for; as, he owed his wealth to his father; he owed his victoty to his lieutenants. Milton. O deem thy fall not owed to man's decree. Pope.

pecies (H. palliatus), and the California, or black, oyster catcher (H. Bachmani) are the best known. -- Oyster crab (Zoöl.) a small crab (Pinnotheres ostreum) which lives as a commensal in the gill cavity of the oyster. -- Oyster dredge, a rake or small dragnet of bringing up oyster from the bottom of the sea. -- O…

ramount duty. "A traitor paramount." Bacon. Lady paramount (Archery), the lady making the best score. -- Lord paramount, the king.

ement; patient; not opposing; unresisting; as, passive obedience; passive submission. The best virtue, passive fortitude. Massinger.

political office; also, the offices, contracts, honors, etc., which a public officer may bestow by favor.

A female patron or helper. Spenser. Night, best patroness of grief. Milton.

Fully equal. [Obs.] Chaucer. "Peregal to the best." Spenser.

n offense); to be guilty of; as, to perpetrate a foul deed. What the worst perpetrate, or best endure. Young.

e of a place taken by storm was regarded as the perquisite of the soldiers. Prescott. The best perquisites of a place are the advantages it gaves a man of doing good. Addison.

That which would be picked or chosen first; the best; as, the pick of the flock.