utmost definition

1. Situated at the farthest point or extremity; farthest out; most distant; extreme; as, the utmost limits of the land; the utmost extent of human knowledge. "We coasted within two leagues of Antibes, which is the utmost town in France." (Evelyn) "Betwixt two thieves I spend my utmost breath." (Herbert)

2. Being in the greatest or highest degree, quantity, number, or the like; greatest; as, the utmost assiduity; the utmost harmony; the utmost misery or happiness. "He shall answer . . . To his utmost peril." (Shak) "Six or seven thousand is their utmost power." (Shak)

Origin: OE. Utmeste, utemest, AS. Temest, a superlative fr. Te out. See Out, and cf. Aftermost, Outmost, Uttermost.

(01 Mar 1998)