veriest

[ ver-ee-ist ]

adjective

1. utmost; most complete:

   the veriest stupidity.

2. superlative of very.

veriest

/ ˈvɛrɪɪst /

adjective

1. archaic.
   (intensifier)

   the veriest coward

Word History and Origins

Origin of veriest¹

very + -est ¹

Example Sentences

“But Reed left children?—you must have cousins? Sir George Lynn was talking of a Reed of Gateshead yesterday, who, he said, was one of the veriest rascals on town; and Ingram was mentioning a Georgiana Reed of the same place, who was much admired for her beauty a season or two ago in London.”

From Literature

In the nearly three pages devoted to Posey, Custis described his carriage, skill, exacting demeanor and love of fine clothes, comparing him to a “veriest dandy.”

From Washington Post

Rather, disapproving librarians and critics in the late 19th century deplored “Huckleberry Finn” as “the veriest trash” for its favorable depiction of “a wretchedly low, vulgar, sneaking and lying Southern country boy.”

From Salon

An old grand pianoforte, the veriest rattletrap stood in the eating salle; but upon its keys had rested many times the magic-breeding fingers of Liszt.

From Project Gutenberg

All that the knight could gain was a promise that he would consider of his hints; and Dyram left him, with the resolution to draw from Ella Brune, by any means, a knowledge of her true feelings towards his master, and to watch every movement of Simeon of Roydon with a care that should let not the veriest trifle escape.

From Project Gutenberg