WORSTEDS

Noun

worsteds

plural of worsted

Source: Wiktionary

WORSTED

Worst"ed, n. Etym: [From Worsted, now spelled Worstead, a town in Norfolk, England; for Worthstead. See Worth, n., and Stead.]

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.

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

WORST

Worst, a., superl. of Bad. Etym: [OE. werst, worste, wurste, AS. wyrst, wierst, wierrest. See Worse, a.]

Definition: Bad, evil, or pernicious, in the highest degree, whether in a physical or moral sense. See Worse. "Heard so oft in worst extremes." Milton. I have a wife, the worst that may be. Chaucer. If thou hadst not been born the worst of men, Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer. Shak.

Worst, n.

Definition: That which is most bad or evil; the most severe, pernicious, calamitous, or wicked state or degree. The worst is not So long as we can say, This is the worst. Shak. He is always sure of finding diversion when the worst comes to the worst. Addison.

Worst, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Worsted; p. pr. & vb. n. Worsting.] Etym: [See Worse, v. t. & a.]

Definition: To gain advantage over, in contest or competition; to get the better of; to defeat; to overthrow; to discomfit. The . . . Philistines were worsted by the captivated ark. South.

Worst, v. i.

Definition: To grow worse; to deteriorate. [R.] "Every face . . . worsting." Jane Austen.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition