bests

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Best-seller as short for “best-selling book” is from 1902, apparently originally in the publishing trade; best friend was in Chaucer (late 14c.). Best girl is first attested 1881, American English; best man is 1814, originally Scottish, replacing groomsman. To be able to do something with the best of them is recorded by 1748.

v.

“to get the better of,” 1863, from best (adj.). Related: Bested; besting.

n.

c.1200, from best (adj.).

1. American-born Canadian physiologist noted for the discovery and successful clinical application of insulin.

1. American-born Canadian physiologist who assisted Frederick Banting in the discovery of the hormone insulin. In acknowledgment of his work, Banting shared his portion of the 1923 Nobel Prize with Best. In addition to further refining the use of insulin, Best later discovered the vitamin choline and the enzyme histaminase, which breaks down histamine.

In addition to the idioms beginning with best

• best bib and tucker
• best of both worlds, the
• best part of something
• best shot

also see:

• all for the best
• all the best
• as best one can
• at best
• at one’s best
• come off (second-best)
• do one’s best
• get the better (best) of
• give it one’s best shot
• had better (best)
• make the best of it
• on one’s best behavior
• put one’s best foot forward
• second best
• Sunday best
• in one’s (best) interest
• to the best of one’s ability
• with the best of them
• with the best will in the world

Also see underbetter.