Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Best \Best\, n.
   Utmost; highest endeavor or state; most nearly perfect thing,
   or being, or action; as, to do one's best; to the best of our
   ability.

   {At best}, in the utmost degree or extent applicable to the
      case; under the most favorable circumstances; as, life is
      at best very short.

   {For best}, finally. [Obs.] ``Those constitutions . . . are
      now established for best, and not to be mended.''
      --Milton.

   {To get the best of}, to gain an advantage over, whether
      fairly or unfairly.

   {To make the best of}.
   (a) To improve to the utmost; to use or dispose of to the
       greatest advantage. ``Let there be freedom to carry their
       commodities where they can make the best of them.''
       --Bacon.
   (b) To reduce to the least possible inconvenience; as, to
       make the best of ill fortune or a bad bargain.