nethermost

English

Etymology

From Middle English neþermeste; equivalent to nether +‎ -most.

Adjective

nethermost (not comparable)

1. (chiefly literary, archaic) Farthest down; lowest.
   • [1629], Iohn Gaule [i.e., John Gaule], Practique Theories: Or, Votiue Speculations, vpon Iesus Christs Prediction. Incarnation. Passion. Resurrection. […], London: […] [Thomas Cotes] for Iames Bowler, →OCLC, page 141:

     He merited not the Abaſement; vve vvere vvorthy the Damnation. Ah, ah my good Sauiour! A Nethermoſt depth cannot ſincke me lovv enough, ſince thou ſtoop'ſt to a Footſtoole. Thou likenedſt thee to me, I vvill compare me to Nothing: […]

Usage notes

• Not a true superlative in its formation.
• Used in the Cumbrian topographical name Nethermost Cove.

Related terms

• nethermore

Anagrams

• stenotherm