supremeadj.n.

Brit.

/sᵿˈpriːm/,

/suːˈpriːm/,

/sjᵿˈpriːm/,

/sjuːˈpriːm/, U.S.

/səˈprim/,

/suˈprim/ (in sense B. 6 also)Brit.

/suːˈprɛm/,

/sjuːˈprɛm/, U.S.

/sʊˈprɛm/

Forms: late Middle English–1500s suppreme, 1500s– supreme, 1500s–1600s supreame, 1600s–1700s supream, 1800s– suprême (in sense B. 6); Scottish pre-1700 suppreme, pre-1700 supream, pre-1700 supreame, pre-1700 suprem, pre-1700 1700s– supreme.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Partly a borrowing from French. Etymons: Latin suprēmus; French suprême.

Etymology: < classical Latin suprēmus highest in position, topmost, uppermost, uppermost part of, forming the furthest point or edge, endmost, endmost part of, last in time or sequence, final, last stage of, last remaining, culminating, experienced for the last time, accorded to a person at life's end, decisive, final, critical, most exalted, greatest in amount or degree, most grievous, extreme, superlative of superus that is above (see superior adj.). Compare Middle French suppreme , supreme , French suprême (of a person) that is higher than all others (1398), (of spatial relations) highest (c1492), last, final (c1500), Spanish supremo (15th cent.), Portuguese supremo (15th cent.), Italian supremo (1319 as suppremo ). In sense B. 6 partly an independent borrowing of French suprême (1808 denoting a sauce, 1813 denoting the most delicate parts of a bird to eat), partly merged with the existing English word, although sometimes distinguished in spelling (with circumflex accent) and sometimes also in pronunciation. In sauce suprême and suprême sauce after French sauce suprême (1817 or earlier), probably short for sauce au suprême (1814 or earlier). In supreme of chicken n. at Phrases 2 after French suprême de volaille suprême de volaille n.In poetry sometimes formerly stressed on the first syllable. Compare also the following early example of post-classical Latin supremum evening, last hour (use of the neuter singular of classical Latin suprēmus (see above); compare classical Latin suprēma (feminine) close of day, sunset), in an English context:OE Byrhtferð Enchiridion (Ashm.) (1995) ii. iii. 112 Seo forme [todælednyss] hatte mane.., and seo oðer ys gecweden meridies, and seo þridde ys geciged suppremum [L. supremum], þæt ys on æfen oððe seo ytemeste tid.

A. adj.

I. Highest in authority, importance, or quality.

a. Of authority, command, or rank: highest in degree.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > [adjective] > supreme (of authority)

supremea1475

sovereign?1533

the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > more important > of rank

supremea1475

supreme1683

a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 148 Þe chaunceler, when he is present, mey be presydent and haue þe suppreme rule off all þe counsell.

1539 C. Tunstall Serm. Palme Sondaye (1823) 61 Faustinus..alleged..that the byshop of Rome ought to haue the orderynge of all Great Matters..by his supreme auctoritie.

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III iii. vii. 118 It is your fault that you resigne The supreame seat, the throne maiesticall.

1632 R. Winterton tr. J. Gerhard Golden Chaine Divine Aphorismes xx. 342 He challengeth unto himself the Supreme power of Excommunicating.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 659 Uriel,..thou..here art likeliest by supream decree Like honour to obtain.

1726 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey IV. xix. 170 He, long honour'd in supreme command.

1754 J. Erskine Princ. Law Scotl. I. i. ii. 13 Jurisdiction is either supreme, inferior, or mixed.

1840 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece VII. lvi. 185 When they had joined their forces, Craterus resigned the supreme command to his colleague.

1863 H. Cox Inst. Eng. Govt. i. i. 2 The supreme power of making and abrogating laws.

1937 Times 9 Jan. 12/2 The people, in the sense not of nation but of proletariat, are to have the supreme say in the destinies of the new Spain.

2005 Lexington (Kentucky) Herald Leader (Nexis) 4 Apr. a4 Catholics believe that, by divine law, the pope exercises supreme jurisdiction over the Universal Church.

b. Of a person: highest in authority or rank; holding the highest place in authority, government, or power. Formerly also with †to: superior to, having supremacy over.In the expressions supreme head and supreme governor used to designate the sovereign (rather than the Pope) as the paramount authority in spiritual as well as temporal matters in England.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > [adjective] > supreme (of authority) > having supreme authority

mosteOE

sovereign1340

overest1481

supreme1496

primea1591

sovran1649

rankest1907

the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > most important > of people

mosta1300

principala1382

principal?a1425

capitalc1475

supreme1496

chief1535

leading1631

staple1642

big league1917

high-level1947

1496 J. Alcock Mons Perfeccionis (de Worde) sig. ci^v A suppreme & a synguler mayster to teche you all thynge.

1532–3 Act 24 Hen. VIII c. 12 Preamble Where by dyvers sundrie olde autentike histories and cronicles it is manifestly declared and expressed that this Realme of Englond is an Impire..governed by oon Supreme heede and King.

1534 Act 26 Hen. VIII c. 1 That the Kyng our Soveraign Lorde..shalbe..reputed the onely supreme heed in erthe of the Churche of England callyd Anglicana Ecclesia.

1558–9 Act 1 Eliz. c. 1. §19 (Form of Oath) I..doo..declare in my Conscience, that the Quenes Highnes is thonelye supreme Governour of this Realme..aswell in all Spirituall or Ecclesiasticall Thinges or Causes as Temporall.

1611 Bible (King James) 1 Pet. ii. 13 Submit your selues to euery ordinance of man..whether it be to the King, as supreme, Or vnto gouernours.

1642 Bp. J. Taylor Of Sacred Order Episcopacy §36 The king is supreme to the bishop in impery.

1696 T. Comber Disc. Offices 84 Such Miscreants..who should thirst so vehemently for the Blood of its Supream Governor.

1765 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. I. i. ii. 146 Of magistrates also some are supreme, in whom the sovereign power of the state resides; others are subordinate, deriving all their authority from the supreme magistrate.

1799 Brit. Mercury 30 Oct. 147 They stand in need of a supreme leader possessing at once, power, pre-eminence, and talents.

1859 T. J. Page La Plata xii. 203 He [sc. Francia] was fifty when he was made supreme ruler of Paraguay.

1890 Speaker 5 July 2/1 M. Stambouloff, as is well known, is supreme in the Government of Bulgaria.

1944 Life 10 Jan. 27/1 President Roosevelt chose Christmas Eve to announce the selection of General Eisenhower as the supreme commander of the invasion from the West.

2001 Birmingham Evening Mail (Nexis) 28 Nov. 11 I will then march to Buckingham Palace to try to bring the matter to the attention of the Queen who is the supreme head of the Church of England.

c. Of an executive, legislative, or judicial body: having the highest authority in a state, territory, or organization. See also Supreme Court n., Supreme Court of Judicature n. at Phrases 1, Supreme Soviet n. at Compounds.

ΚΠ

1597 J. Skene De Verborum Significatione at Scaccarium Some callis it [sc. the Exchequer] the soveraigne and supreame court.

1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso 8 The Supreme Magistracy of the State-Inquisitors [of Venice], could with three Balletting Balls, easily bury alive any Cesar or Pompey, which began to discover himself in that well-governed State.

1675 J. Gregory Let. 25 Apr. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1977) XI. 287 This is Sir George Mackenzie of Tarbat, who was latelie one of the Lords and judges of the suprem judicature. he lives in the hylands.

1729 in G. Lamoine Charges to Grand Jury (1992) 267 These Judgments..made by the King's Courts, may be reversed by an Appeal to the House of Lords, which is the supreme Court of Judicature, and from whence no Appeal lies in the Crown.

1772 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra I. Ded. p. vi When we say that the legislature is supreme, we mean that it is the highest power known to the constitution.

1823 R. Southey Hist. Peninsular War I. iv. 231 This wretched puppet addressed an edict on the 4th to the supreme Junta at Madrid.

1848 H. H. Wilson Hist. Brit. India 1805–35 III. ix. 535 The Supreme Council..was to consist of six members, of whom four were to be officers of the four Presidencies.

1885 G. F. Dillon War of Antichrist with Church Pref. p. xv Nothing proves more clearly its origin and its connection with the Supreme Directory of the Cosmopolitan Atheistic Conspiracy against religion and order than this one fact.

1903 Monthly Bull. Internat. Bureau Amer. Republics Sept. 684 The present convention shall take effect after its approval by the Supreme Congress of Costa Rica.

2011 Northern Territory (Austral.) News (Nexis) 14 Feb. 17 The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces said the current government would remain in place for a peaceful transition.

d. More generally: having a position of dominance or unchallenged superiority. Frequently in to reign supreme (see reign v. 5e).

ΚΠ

1656 J. Bramhall Replic. to Bishop of Chalcedon iv. 159 In a great Family there are severall offices, as a Divine, a Physitian, a Schoolmaster, and every one of these is supreme in his own way.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 91 The lower still I fall, onely Supream In miserie.

a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 238 Man is supreme Lord and Master Of his own Ruin and Disaster.

1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. ii. 26 Which Principle..being in Nature supream,..ought to preside over and govern all the rest.

1786 T. Baldwin Airopaidia i. 3 A most exquisite and ever-varying Miniature of the little Works of Man, heightened by the supreme Pencil of Nature, inimitably elegant, and in her highest Colouring.

1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby xxi. 193 The temple of fashion where Madame Mantalini reigned paramount and supreme.

1884 F. Temple Relations Relig. & Sci. (1885) ii. 59 To believe that the rule of duty is supreme over all the universe, is the first stage of Faith.

1892 B. F. Westcott Gospel of Life 89 Each science is supreme within its own domain.

1920 Rio Grande Republic (New Mexico) 30 Sept. 6/5 A real honest to goodness poker joint, where jack pots, ‘down the river’, stud poker and one card monte reigned supreme.

1959 Time 23 Feb. 22/3 U.S. strike power is clearly supreme now.

2003 Birmingham Post (Nexis) 29 May 34 For all of that late drama the abiding message was that, once again, catenaccio reigns supreme.

2. Of God or an attribute of God: denoting or relating to his status as the paramount ruler of the universe or the most exalted being or intelligence. Of a pagan god or goddess: denoting his or her status as the most exalted or most senior of the gods. Frequently in Supreme Being.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the supernatural > deity > [adjective] > ruling or majestic

supremea1522

the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > nature or attributes of God > [adjective] > ruling or majestic

highOE

supremea1522

majestical1583

majestatic1659

majestaticala1695

a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1959) x. Prol. l. 21 Thy maist supreme indiuisibill substans, In ane natur thre personys.

1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour sig. g.ij^v Jupiter was alwaye taken of the poetes & philosophers for the supreme god.

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III ii. i. 13 Take heede you dally not before your King, Least he that is the supreme King of Kings, Confound your hidden falshood.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) v. iii. 71 With the consent of supreame Ioue.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 70 Mine both in Heav'n and Earth to do thy will Supream .

1699 Bp. G. Burnet Expos. Thirty-nine Articles i. 38 The Supream and Increated Being.

1709 Ld. Shaftesbury Moralists ii. iii. 90 Whether there be really that Supreme One we suppose.

1751 J. Harris Hermes iii. v. 403 Original Truth..having the most intimate connection with the supreme Intelligence.

1820 P. B. Shelley Œdipus Tyrannus i. 7 Thou supreme Goddess!

1836 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece II. xiii. 165 When the victim was to be offered to the supreme God, it was taken up to the top of the highest hill.

1854 Orr's Circle Sci.: Org. Nature I. 29 The proposition..that human science is..adverse to the belief in a Supreme Intelligence.

1914 A. B. Benson Old Norse Elem. in Swedish Romanticism iii. 109 The supreme Odin on his throne Lidskalf looking down upon the world and seeing all that takes place.

1947 A. H. Armstrong Introd. Anc. Philos. xiii. 151 To the Middle Platonists the Supreme God is not beyond all hierarchy.

2011 Times & Transcript (New Brunswick) (Nexis) 18 Jan. d8 Science has done more to show proof of a supreme being than it has to disprove one.

a. Of the highest quality, degree, or amount; greatest.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [adjective]

highestOE

bestOE

firstlOE

greatest?c1225

of the besta1350

premiera1500

paramount1530

supremec1550

supreme1571

primer1589

top1647

nulli secundus1742

bestest1751

first class1819

beatemest1831

par excellence1839

première1844

first rate1853

beatenest1860

blue ribbon1860

optimum1885

optimal1890

class A1906

all-star1908

grade A1911

five-star1931

mostest1936

tip-topmost1937

the end1950

the most1953

the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > greatest in quantity, amount, or degree

mosteOE

utmosta1325

uttermore1382

utterestc1386

uttermost1429

outmost1447

utter1513

supreme1571

summoperous1647

top1714

mostest1882

1571 G. Buchanan Admonitioun Trew Lordis sig B.5 Howbeit the inhumanitie was greit, zit wes it not in supreme degre of cruelteis.

1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. F3^v Let their exhald vnholdsome breaths make sicke The life of puritie, the supreme faire, Ere he arriue his wearie noone-tide pricke.

1609 S. Daniel Civile Wares (rev. ed.) iv. xli. 97 Hee could not meane t' haue peace with those, Who did in that supreame degree offend.

a1631 J. Donne Iuuenilia (1633) sig. C3 If these things kill themselues, they doe it in their best and supreme perfection.

1649 E. Reynolds Israels Prayer (new ed.) vi. 82 The supreame end and happinesse of the soule.

1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 110. ⁋1 That to please the Lord and Father of the universe, is the supreme interest of created..beings.

1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1729 I. 28 Johnson, whose supreme enjoyment was the exercise of his reason.

1847 A. Helps Friends in Council I. vi. 96 I have a supreme disgust for the man who at the hustings has no opinion beyond..the clamour round him.

1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits iv. 51 They have sound bodies, and supreme endurance in war and in labor.

1878 R. W. Dale Lect. Preaching (ed. 3) vii. 212 The death of Christ, which is the supreme revelation of the Divine love.

1915 Daily Kennebec Jrnl. (Augusta, Maine) 28 Jan. 5/4 The ready availability of its resources is of supreme importance in the conduct of a reserve bank.

1947 R. Butts Cultural Hist. Educ. 564 Political correctness was the supreme qualification for the Soviet teacher.

2003 K. Daswani For Matrimonial Purposes (U.K. ed.) 118 It was going to be a supreme blockbuster, all conceived of and implemented by a top Bollywood producer.

b. Of a person: highest or greatest in character or achievement; designating a person who is the greatest or most accomplished of his or her class.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > specifically of person

wenlichc1200

greatc1300

sovereignc1330

singular1485

supreme?1611

superstar1915

?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads v. 1 Then Pallas breath'd in Tydeus sonne: to render whom supreame To all the Greekes,..she cast a hoter beame, On his high mind.

1649 Mercurius Aulicus 21–28 Aug. 14 Resolved by the supreme Knack-makers, that a knack be brought in for settling the Colledge of Westminster.

1789 Monthly Rev. 80 (App.) 682 No animal can withstand the extreme cold of the northern climates, equal to man, excepting the canis lagopus; and experiments further prove that he is supreme in the opposite quality.

1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. i. ii. 16 The Supreme Quack.

1874 M. Creighton Hist. Ess. (1902) i. 1 In..the reflective and analytic class, Lionardo and Dante stand supreme.

1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn I. xvii. 149 You are a supreme artist.

1922 B. De Casseres Chameleon 208 Anatole France is the supreme acataleptic among the moderns.

2003 R. Palmer Good Gram. Guide vii.3/140 Jane Austen is a great novelist, but George Eliot is supreme.

c. Designating a high-quality variety of fruit or vegetable.

ΘΚΠ

the world > plants > wild and cultivated plants > food plant or vegetable > [adjective] > excellent

supreme1724

the world > food and drink > food > fruit and vegetables > [adjective] > excellent

supreme1724

1724 P. Miller Gardeners & Florists Dict. II. at Pear-trees The Supreme-pear, the great Jargonel or Gibberish-pear, or the Fig-pear.

1783 C. Bryant Flora Diætetica vii. 278 The Little Musk, or Supreme Pear, is rather round than long, and is generally produced in clusters.

1870 Tilton's Jrnl. Hort. Sept. 175 James Comley exhibited Yellow Cranberry beans, and Laxton's Prolific and Laxton's Supreme peas.

1901 Garden 6 July 15/3 For the past three seasons, which have been dry and bad ones for salads, Supreme Lettuce has stood well.

2008 R. Harris & L. Fox Artisan Farming 105/2 They have recommended little-known strains such as Honeycrisp and golden supreme apples.

d. Of a point or period of time: of the highest or critical importance. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > most important > other

material1581

capital1597

supreme1791

staminal1845

red meat1968

1791 tr. R. M. Lesuire French Adventurer III. xii. 216 How sublime and great I found her in these supreme moments!

1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 170 The Carthaginian government managed, even in this supreme hour, to thwart Hamilcar.

1883 Manch. Examiner 26 Nov. 5/1 The generals have been at loggerheads at the supreme moment of the battle.

1922 W. A. Rogers World Worth While iv. 49 The three supreme days that will ever dwell in my mind were the three crucial days of Gettysburg.

II. Senses relating to physical or temporal extremity.

4. Highest, loftiest, topmost. Now rare (chiefly poetic in later use).

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > high position > [adjective] > in highest position

highestOE

umestOE

overesta1325

upperestc1374

overmosta1382

supremec1487

upmost1488

uppermostc1500

highermost1593

top1595

topmost1697

headmost1758

culminant1849

tip-topmost1937

c1487 J. Skelton tr. Diodorus Siculus Bibliotheca Historica i. 13 The fyre for his parte by reson of his lightnes atteyned vnto suppreme regyons of the ayer.

1523 J. Skelton Goodly Garlande of Laurell 694 What thynge occasionyd the showris of rayne, Of fyre elementar in his supreme spere.

1578 J. Banister Hist. Man i. f. 26 In the toppe of the shoulder blade, betwene the Processe Acromion, and the supreme part of Scapula.

1653 R. Saunders Physiognomie i. 119 The supream angle being straight, denotes a long life.

1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 78 The supreme or outmost Stratum of the Globe.

1749 London Mag. Nov. 489/1 The eclipse will end at the supreme point of the sun's periphery, at sun set.

1791 N. Tucker tr. E. Swedenborg Apocalypse Revealed I. vii. 382 The Forehead is the supreme Part of the Face.

1808 T. B. Macaulay in G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay (1876) I. i. 32 Day set on Cambria's hills supreme.

1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz 75 Blanc, supreme above his earth-brood.

1907 S. G. Burrard & H. H. Hayden Sketch Geogr. & Geol. Himalaya Mountains & Tibet i. iii. 22 Of all the designations suggested for the supreme peak of the Karakoram that of K² has now the widest vogue.

5. Last, final, ultimate; spec. of or relating to the moment of death. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > end or conclusion > [adjective]

finalc1365

endinga1400

finial?a1400

endly1436

conclusional1471

terminalc1475

parting?1570

supreme1570

terminant1589

desinent1608

terminative1613

conclusive1639

graciousa1701

finishing1705

ultimate1755

concluding1795

closing1796

wind-up1843

net1844

conclusory1846

terminational1874

summative1877

wrap-up1968

the world > life > death > [adjective] > moment of death

supreme1858

1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 619/2 Wee appeale to the high celestiall iudge, that he may iudge and discerne the same [articles], in the day of hys supreme iudgement.

1606 P. Holland tr. Suetonius Hist. Twelve Caesars 66 The supreme iudgments & testimonies of his friends..delivered at their deaths.

1858 ‘G. Eliot’ Janet's Repentance xv, in Scenes Clerical Life II. 241 The drowning man, urged by the supreme agony, lives in an instant through all his happy and unhappy past.

1866 F. Moore Women of War 281 As earthly scenes failed, he desired to have the supreme rites of his church performed over his dying pillow.

1894 E. Sullivan Woman 57 When she felt the supreme moment approaching she told the musicians to strike up her favourite air.

1927 B. R. Redman tr. R. Rolland Annette & Sylvie i. ii. 26 Until the supreme breath of a gasping agony, like that of a galloping horse that climbs a slope, he battled in terror.

III. Senses used in comparative and superlative constructions.

6. In weakened sense in comparative and superlative constructions: high-ranking, having high authority; of great importance or quality; high; (also) late.

a. In the superlative (supremest, most supreme).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [adjective]

highestOE

bestOE

firstlOE

greatest?c1225

of the besta1350

premiera1500

paramount1530

supremec1550

supreme1571

primer1589

top1647

nulli secundus1742

bestest1751

first class1819

beatemest1831

par excellence1839

première1844

first rate1853

beatenest1860

blue ribbon1860

optimum1885

optimal1890

class A1906

all-star1908

grade A1911

five-star1931

mostest1936

tip-topmost1937

the end1950

the most1953

the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > most important > of things

principalc1300

principal1417

supremec1550

capital1597

hegemonic1656

vital1810

big time1914

high-level1947

the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [adjective] > greatest in degree or extent

mosteOE

overest1481

supereminent1531

supremec1550

c1550 T. Becon Flour of Godly Praiers f. xliiii Lordes..rule vnder..godlie appointment, whyche art the mooste supreame power.

1632 P. Massinger Emperour of East iv. i. sig. H2 Fate..appointed you To the supremest honor.

1648 R. Herrick Hesperides sig. Y2 Virgins Come, and in a Ring Her supreamest Requiem sing.

1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. iv. 325 Thron'd in omnipotence, supremest Jove Tempers the fates of human race.

1784 J. Douglas Cook's Voy. Pacific II. iii. ix. 150 This man felt the most supreme pleasure.

1811 W. Cuninghame Princ. Constit. Govts. 64 The Satraps, or Governors of Provinces, notwithstanding they had the most Supreme, and Absolute power within their own Territories, were no more than slaves of the Supreme Lord or Master over all.

1862 M. E. Braddon Lady Audley's Secret III. ii. 59 In her supremest hour of misery.

1914 E. F. Benson Arundel (1915) xiii. 311 Her human power of emotion leaped to the supremest arc of that rainbow curve.

2010 Nation (Nairobi) (Nexis) 27 May Among the three arms of the government, Parliament is the most supreme.

b. In the comparative (supremer, more supreme).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > surpassing excellence > [adjective] > and superior in quality

higheOE

finec1330

supreme1567

uppera1586

nature-graceda1618

de luxe1819

nature-favoured1877

the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [adjective] > greater in degree or extent

moreOE

supreme1567

the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > more important > of rank

supremea1475

supreme1683

1567 T. Stapleton Counterblast ii. ix. f. 130^v The Popes Legats and the Councell with a more Supreme Authority resumed the matter into their hands.

1602 R. Carew Surv. Cornwall i. f. 59^v The far distance thereof from the supremer Courts.

1683 Bp. W. Kennett tr. Erasmus Encomium Moriæ (1709) 125 After their reign here they must appear before a supreamer judge.

1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VII. lxi. 221 Having given way to supremer fervors.

1788 W. Renwick Solicitudes of Absence xix. 247 Supremer feelings tend to excite.

1825 Portfolio 26 Feb. 397/1 The above named supreme manager..who..is himself under the immediate management of another manager still more supreme.

1893 Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) 17 Dec. 35/3 Already France, alarmed for her supremacy, is calling on her rulers for supremer effort in the generous contest for the welcome of mankind.

1919 Brown Univ. in War 34/1 What supremer sacrifice and what more glorious achievement can one attain?

2008 North Devon Jrnl. (Nexis) 24 Apr. 31 Can there be a more supreme magnolia anywhere in North Devon than this beauty?

B. n.

a. A person having supreme authority, rank, or power; a supreme authority or ruler. Also in extended use. Formerly also: †a superior (obsolete). Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > [noun] > those in authority > person in authority > person in supreme authority

princec1225

sovereignc1290

overest1474

supreme1549

supremo1839

1549 J. Ponet tr. B. Ochino Tragoedie Unjuste Usurped Primacie sig. Aa.iii The Pope..reygneth in the..middest of the churche militant as the supreme of all creatures.

1553 E. Crome in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) III. App. x. 24 That they that be prohybyte of the byshops,..ought to cease from preachyng..till they haue purgyd them byfore the supreme of soche suspicion.

1594 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis (new ed.) sig. G^v She clepes him..Imperious supreme of all mortall things.

1631 G. Chapman Caesar & Pompey ii. i. sig. D3 This day had prou'd him the supreame of Cæsar.

1660 E. Waterhouse Disc. Arms & Armory 177 I return to London which I find of great consequence to her Supremes.

1677 W. Hughes Man of Sin i. vi. 27 Was it not a fine cast of his office, that one of them [sc. popes] practised upon one of these Supremes [sc. emperors]?

1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey III. xiii. 144 Old Ocean's dread Supreme.

1774 J. Bryant New Syst. II. 125 He seems to have been the supreme of those æthereal spirits described above.

1781 J. Tucker Treat. Civil Govt. ii. iv. 250 There will be two Supremes within the same State;—a Solecism..even our modern political Refiners have not yet attempted to propose.

1807 E. S. Barrett Rising Sun III. 100 By the act of Reformation, the lord was declared to be the supreme of the church.

1876 D. D. Whedon Pop. Comm. New Test. IV. (Eph. i. 22) 266/2 The words..are spoken of man as the supreme of the earth.

1901 L. House Study 12th Amendment Constit. U.S. 56 Campbell entirely overlooked the Constitution as the supreme of the land.

b. Originally and chiefly U.S. Frequently with capital initial: a justice of the Supreme Court. Chiefly in plural.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > one who administers justice > judge > [noun] > in U.S.

Chief Justice1788

supreme1969

1969 Galveston (Texas) Daily News 8 May 4 c/4 The ‘Supremes’ have now declared ‘Instant Welfare’ in all fifty states.

1982 N.Y. Mag. 19 Apr. 23/3 Each has been an acting supreme for about ten years.

1999 Winnipeg Free Press 3 May a10/1 No one should expect the Supremes to travel the country enduring gripe sessions or defending the details of their decisions in specific cases, but surely some sort of forum where the public could have access to the judges is not unreasonable.

2003 New Republic 23 June 14/1 If, as anticipated, the Supremes overturn the Texas law, their ruling would invalidate four anti-sodomy laws punishing same-sex behavior.

2. Chiefly with the. (A title of) God or a god.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the supernatural > deity > [noun]

godeOE

deityc1374

higher powerc1384

princec1384

divinityc1386

governorc1400

powerc1425

numen1495

fear1535

heaven1554

godheada1586

godhood1586

landlorda1635

supreme1643

supercelestial1652

supernal1661

universality1681

father1820

unspeakable1843

Molimo1861

Mlimo1897

superperson1907

somebody up there1972

sky fairy1997

1643 H. Hammond Script. Plea for Magistrates 13 The ground of this truth is..God the supreame, commands that subjection to the King in such matters.

1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane i. i O thou Supream!

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 257. ¶7 It is the greatest Folly to seek the..Approbation of any Being, besides the Supream.

a1766 F. Sheridan Hist. Nourjahad (1767) 197 May the Supreme grant thy petition.

a1822 P. B. Shelley Homer's Hymn to Mercury i, in Posthumous Poems (1824) 295 Heaven's dread Supreme.

1884 Contemp. Rev. Feb. 256 That aboriginal law of self-sacrifice which links the Supreme to His creatures.

1921 Homiletic Rev. Nov. 363/2 We have first hand contact with the Supreme of whom they [sc. angels] remind us.

2008 I. Amrani tr. A. Burg Holocaust is Over x. 187 He is the Supreme, the absolute source of authority and nothing is above him.

†3. That which is the highest in elevation; the highest or topmost part. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > high position > [noun] > highest point or top

headOE

copa1000

heightOE

topc1000

highestlOE

crest1382

coperounc1400

summita1425

summity?a1425

toppet1439

altitude?a1475

upperest1484

principala1533

pitcha1552

supremity1584

culm1587

period1595

spire1600

upward1608

cope1609

fastigium1641

vertex1641

culmen1646

supreme1652

tip-top1702

peak1785

helm1893

altaltissimo1975

1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια xxvi. sig. k^v Anaximander..and Crates say, that the Sunne is the supreame of all, after which the Moon, and beneath these the rest errant, and inerrant.

1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed Ded. sig. A 2^v One, who..took not his information at the shore or Suburbs, but..visited the intestines and supreme, whence he might the better look below, and round about him.

a. Chiefly with the. The best or greatest of a particular class. Also with plural agreement. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [noun]

bestness1548

preseance1591

presidency1608

primity1643

superlativenessa1649

supreme1681

optimism1797

1681 R. Baxter Invaluable Price of Immortal Soul sig. A5 The best of our actions, the supream of our thoughts, are vain, sinful and Rebellious.

1766 H. Brooke Fool of Quality II. xi. 195 The qualities that entitle a man to this supreme of denominations.

1815 W. Wordsworth Poems I. 227 Supreme of Heroes—bravest, noblest, best!

1848 T. De Quincey Life & Adventures Goldsmith in N. Brit. Rev. May 203 Literature..is the supreme of the fine arts.

1893 R. Brisbane Albert Brisbane 14 He felt that the science of the human passions was the supreme of sciences.

1992 J. Hopkins & D. Y. Yuthok tr. G. Chöpel Tibetan Arts of Love 180 It is said..that providing a woman for someone who is desirous is the supreme of gifts.

b. With the. The highest degree or amount of something. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [noun] > quality or fact of being extreme > highest, utmost, or extreme degree

heightOE

perfectiona1398

utterestc1410

uttermosta1425

tiptoec1440

pinnaclec1450

utmost1472

outmostc1535

extremity1543

abyss1548

top1552

furthest, utmost stretch1558

summa summarum1567

superlative1573

strain1576

extreme1595

fine1596

last1602

yondmost1608

super-superlative1623

pitch1624

utmostness1674

pink1720

supreme1817

ultima Thule1828

peak1902

1817 J. Keats Sleep & Poetry 236 A drainless shower Of light is poesy; 'tis the supreme of power.

1858 T. P. Thompson Audi Alteram Partem I. lxv. 249 The Native Indian term for the supreme of folly, is ‘monkey business’.

1917 Art World Sept. 548/1 The supreme of pleasure—beauty is the supreme desire.

5. A high-quality variety of fruit or vegetable. Cf. A. 3c. Now rare.

ΚΠ

1706 G. London & H. Wise Retir'd Gard'ner I. i. xi. 48 Summer Pears. The Little Muscat, The Supreme, The Cuisse-Madame.

1755 S. Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang. at Pear The species are eighty-four: 1. Little musk pear, commonly called the supreme.

1882 Garden 21 Jan. 38/1 Supreme [sc. a variety of pea]..gives large successional pickings.

1903 W. W. Tracy, Jr. List Amer. Varieties Vegetables 1901 & 1902 284 Laxton's Alpha, Laxton's Earliest of All, Laxton's Evolution, Laxton's Extra Early, Laxton's Fillbasket, Laxton's Supreme [peas].

6. Frequently (esp. in early use) in form suprême.

a. More fully sauce suprême, suprême sauce. A rich cream sauce, esp. as served with chicken in suprême de volaille.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > additive > sauce or dressing > [noun] > other sauces

galantine1304

civya1325

egerdouce1381

gravy?c1390

camelinea1425

chawdronc1440

saffron sauce?a1505

sibber-sauce1556

ferry?1570

oxoleum1574

slabber-sauce1574

saupiquet1656

slapsauce1708

brown sauce1723

bread sauce1727

custard1747

bechamel1789

caper-sauce1791

tomato sauce1804

custard cream1805

allemande1806

sambal1815

Reading sauce1816

Harvey's Sauce1818

velouté sauce1830

suprême sauce1833

parsley sauce1836

agrodolce1838

Worcestershire sauce1843

espagnole1845

pestoa1848

cheese sauce1854

nam prik1857

Worcester sauce1863

Béarnaise sauce1868

Béarnaise1877

Yorkshire Relish1877

sauce mousseline1892

velvet sauce1893

gribiche1897

mornay sauce1900

sugo1906

sofrito1913

chile con queso1916

foo yung1917

marinara1932

pistou1951

hoisin1957

salsa verde1957

pico de gallo1958

sriracha1959

carbonara1962

amatriciana1963

arrabbiata1963

ponzu1966

puttanesca1971

chermoula1974

tikka masala1975

mojo1983

queso1989

1813 L. E. Ude French Cook viii. 191 (heading) Filets of fowls sautés au suprême.]

1833 R. Dolby Cook's Dict. (rev. ed.) (Bill of Fare for twelve persons. October) Entrées... Scallops of Pheasants, sauce suprème.

1834 H. W. Brand Compl. Mod. Cook 24 No. 45. Suprême Sauce. Reduce some of the foregoing sauce..till only three-fourths of the quantity used remain.

1906 Mrs. Beeton's Bk. Househ. Managem. (rev. ed.) lxii. 1671 Suprême, a rich, delicately flavoured cream sauce, made from chicken stock, etc.

1936 D. Lucas & R. Hume Au Petit Cordon Bleu 73 Pour over the following suprême sauce.

2009 Dallas (Texas) Observer (Nexis) 26 Mar. The dish consists of a thick slab of toast spackled with goat cheese before a kind of sauce supreme loaded with mushrooms and garlic is ladled on top.

b. The part of the bird used in making suprême de volaille, usually the breast with the wing-bone attached. Also: a choice cut of any other kind of fish or meat.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > animals for food > fowls > [noun] > cuts or parts of fowl

wingc1470

soul?a1475

giblet1546

merrythought1598

sideman1632

sidesman1642

drumstick1646

pinion1655

side bone1712

chicken liver1733

pope's nose1788

liver wing1796

apron1807

parson's nose1836

stumps1845

oyster1855

supreme1856

wishbone1860

pulling bone1877

carcass1883

pully-bone1897

pull-bonea1903

chicken breast1941

chicken tender1955

1856 Times 6 Oct. 8/4 We doubt not that as a pedestrian feat it may try the sinews of various adventurous gentlemen who have not yet walked off the ‘supremes’ and iced champagne of a London season.

1888 Angler's Note-bk. 85/1 Suprême of shark sauté à la Helgramite.

1907 G. A. Escoffier Guide Mod. Cookery ii. xvi. 512 Sauté the suprêmes in butter. Dish and surround with small heaps of vegetables, arranged very neatly, as explained in the case of the Jardinière garnish.

1944 A. L. Simon Conc. Encycl. Gastron. VI. 111/2 The suprêmes are constituted by the meat on each side of the breast, from the point where the wing originates to the extremity of the stomach.

1975 Times 22 Feb. 7/2 Chicken Neptune—a suprême stuffed with prawns and butter and served with a shellfish sauce (£2.20).

1988 Times 19 Feb. 5/7 Pork supremes £1.78 a lb and steak and kidney £1.28 a lb.

1998 Daily Tel. 7 Nov. (Weekend) 11/1 With partridge if I am not simply roasting the whole bird I like to cut off the supreme and then make stock from the legs and carcasses.

Phrases

P1.

Supreme Court of Judicature n. the highest judicial court in various English-speaking regions; spec. (a) the highest judicial court for each of the Presidencies in India during the administration of the East India Company (now historical); (b) (in England and Wales) the highest court below the Supreme Court (formerly below the House of Lords), divided into the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Crown Court; now called the Senior Courts of England and Wales.Cf. (in non-specific use) quot. 1729 at sense A. 1c.

ΚΠ

1627 G. Richardson Of State of Europe x. 26 Pau, the Parliament, or supreame Court of iudicature of the country.]

1691 Act for Establishing Courts of Judicature in Colonial Laws N.Y. (1894) I. 229 Itt is hereby enacted and ordained, by the Authority aforesaid that there shall be held and kept a Supreame Court of Judicature, which shall be Duely & Constantly kept att the Citty of New Yorke and not Elsewhere, att the severall & Respective times hereafter mentioned.

1772 Scots Mag. Sept. 459/1 The supreme court of judicature thus constituted, is to possess all civil, criminal, and ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

1810 Morning Post 12 Dec. The late Sir Benjamin Sullivan..had very lately returned from Madras, where for a series of years he had been one of the Judges on the Supreme Court of Judicature.

1873 Act 36 & 37 Victoria c. 66 §3 The several Courts hereinafter mentioned..shall be consolidated together, and shall constitute one Supreme Court of Judicature in England.

1920 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. (new ed.) II. cv. 680 In America, the nine Federal judges of the Supreme Court retain much of the dignity which surrounds the English Supreme Court of Judicature.

1980 Times 29 Apr. 12/1 The Official Solicitor is a senior officer of the Supreme Court of Judicature appointed by the Lord Chancellor.

2004 Mod. Asian Stud. 38 606 The Regulating Act of 1773..established the Supreme Court of Judicature as a legal institution that functioned independently of the commercial operations of the East India Company.

P2.

supreme of chicken n. a dish consisting of the breast (with wing-bone) of a chicken served with a rich cream sauce. Cf. suprême de volaille n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > fowl dishes > [noun]

blancmange1377

bouce Janec1420

sweet-blanchc1430

dumpoke1698

temperade1699

biberot1706

howtowdie1728

alderman?1782

suprême de volaille1822

chicken fixings1837

paprikahendl1839

poule au pot1849

Marengo1861

paprikahuhn1870

Peking duck1874

poule au riz1882

Maryland chicken1888

chicken finger1900

arroz con pollo1901

moo goo gai pan1902

chicken à la King1905

coq au vin1915

chicken burger1933

supreme of chicken1939

cassoulet1940

chicken rice1950

piccata1963

chicken tender1969

turducken1982

Kiev1993

chimaek2012

1939 Vogue's Cookery Bk. 81 Supreme of Chicken. 1 chicken 4 eggs 1⅓ cups cream.

1959 A. Christie Cat among Pigeons xiv. 154 Ann Shapland..was sitting at a table..eating Supreme of chicken.

1983 Out of Town Dec. 72/2 The pastry case on the Supreme of Chicken..was a little too generous.

2010 Sentinel (Stoke-on-Trent) (Nexis) 12 Nov. 29 That left me to choose between the roast of the day, supreme of chicken, grilled salmon steak, and a roasted Mediterranean vegetable pilaf.

Compounds

Supreme Soviet n. now historical the national legislature of the U.S.S.R.; (also) the national legislature of any of its constituent republics.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > other national governing or legislative bodies > [noun] > in U.S.S.R.

Zemsky Sobor1877

Supreme Soviet1936

1936 Times 15 June 11/4 The legislative assemblies will consist of one All-Union Parliament called the ‘Supreme Council (or Supreme Soviet) of the U.S.S.R.’.

1974 tr. A. Snieckus Soviet Lithuania 67 The Supreme Soviet of the Lithuanian SSR has approved the Five-Year Plan for the economic development of the Republic for 1971–5.

2008 D. Combs Inside Soviet Alternate Universe x. 223 At a closed, stormy session of the Supreme Soviet in June 1991..Pavlov called for a shift in power from Gorbachev to the Council of Ministers.

supreme bench n. (also with capital inital(s)) = Supreme Court n.; (also) the justices of the Supreme Court collectively.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > judicial body, assembly, or court > [noun] > courts in U.S.

General Court1628

county court1639

praetorial1639

precinct court1669

supreme bench1767

Supreme Court1787

justice court1793

oyer and terminer1840

circuit-court1843

chancery1850

society > law > administration of justice > one who administers justice > [noun] > collectively

bench1518

magistery1583

magistracy1607

supreme bench1767

magistrature1830

1767 Scots Mag. Mar. 135/2 I am told that the danger of this trade, unrestrained, was spoke of on our supreme bench of justice.

1859 J. B. O'Neall Biogr. Sketches Bench & Bar S. Carolina I. 192 His wife was..the daughter of Judge Clement Dorsey, of the Supreme Bench of Maryland.

1913 Sat. Evening Post (Philadelphia) 22 Feb. 3/1 The people of Ohio..sent him to the Supreme bench with more votes than any other judicial candidate received.

1970 ABA Jrnl. July 652/1 The assignment of judges was something that the supreme bench decided for itself.

2006 Harvard Law Rev. 119 1268 Middle-way decisionmaking that both satisfied her colleagues on the Supreme Bench and proved flexible enough for lower court judges to resolve..the great majority of similar cases that would follow.

supreme good n. the highest good, esp. the ultimate goal according to which values and priorities are established in an ethical system; cf. highest good n. at highest adj., n., and adv. Compounds 2b, summum bonum n.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > [noun] > highest good

goodeOE

highest goodeOE

sovereigna1340

summum bonum1563

supreme good1601

chief good1663

kalon1749

1601 R. Dolman tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. III. 123 It proceedeth from him, who is the supreme good, and the limit of all goodnes.

1630 R. Brathwait Eng. Gentleman 342 How carefull is he in making his barnes larger, in filling his chests fuller..; but how respectlesse of that supreme good, wherein all happinesse consisteth?

1756 T. Amory Life John Buncle I. 121 It [sc. religion] influences our wills, rectifies and subdues our passions, turns the biass of our minds from the objects and pleasures of sense, and fixes them upon the supreme good.

1873 A. P. Peabody Man. Moral Philos. xiv. 198 He represented pleasure as the supreme good, and its pleasure-yielding capacity as the sole criterion by which any act or habit is to be judged.

1915 Internat. Jrnl. Ethics 25 310 Even though humility be the supreme good, then one should resist the aggression of an enemy who threatens to destroy one's life before one has cultivated that virtue.

2008 J. F. Walter Reading Marriage in Amer. Romance i. 6 At the rock bottom of this social philosophy.., ‘survival’ (or absence of pain) is the supreme good.

supreme sacrifice n. (with the) the action or fact of laying down one's life for one's country in battle, esp. as applied to combatants in the First World War (1914–18); also in extended use.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > death > manner of death > [noun] > violent death > death in battle

supreme sacrifice1878

wooden cross1917

society > morality > virtue > morally elevated quality > unselfishness > [noun] > willingness to sacrifice oneself > self-sacrifice > sacrifice of one's life

supreme sacrifice1878

1878 Visct. Cranbrook in Times 17 July 9/5 We do well to honour those who die for their country, whether on the field of battle or elsewhere; they have made the supreme sacrifice which we can only requite by sorrowing homage and grateful remembrance.

1915 Times 18 May 15/4 We bear them in lasting remembrance in tribute to the supreme sacrifice which they have been called upon to make.

1942 Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin) 29 May 1/3 As she places this tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice, [etc.].

1970 Guardian 22 Dec. 2/4 The Governor has emerged from the dark night of the soul that afflicts all politicians pondering the supreme sacrifice.

2010 Belfast Tel. (Nexis) 23 Nov. 28 I have proudly worn the poppy for many years to remember the thousands of men and women who made the supreme sacrifice so that we might live.

Derivatives

suˈpremeness n. the quality of being supreme; supremacy.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [noun] > highest degree of

supremeness1665

primority1727

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > pre-eminence > [noun]

primacyc1384

principalitya1398

pre-eminencec1460

principalness1530

supremacy1579

firsthood1619

transeminency1660

supremeness1665

primality1667

giantship1847

premiership1850

supremity1882

1665 R. Boyle New Exper. & Observ. Cold 596 The suppos'd supremeness of Cold in Salt-petre.

1727 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. II Supremeness, greatest Height, Utmostness.

1896 A. Whyte Bible Char. I. x. 112 An amazing elevation, detachment, supremeness, and sweetness of soul.

1995 Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) (Nexis) 5 Oct. (Style) e1 But with all due respect to his sartorial supremeness, Armani isn't the only game in town.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	supreme
释义	supremeadj.n. Brit. /sᵿˈpriːm/, /suːˈpriːm/, /sjᵿˈpriːm/, /sjuːˈpriːm/, U.S. /səˈprim/, /suˈprim/ (in sense B. 6 also)Brit. /suːˈprɛm/, /sjuːˈprɛm/, U.S. /sʊˈprɛm/ Forms: late Middle English–1500s suppreme, 1500s– supreme, 1500s–1600s supreame, 1600s–1700s supream, 1800s– suprême (in sense B. 6); Scottish pre-1700 suppreme, pre-1700 supream, pre-1700 supreame, pre-1700 suprem, pre-1700 1700s– supreme. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Partly a borrowing from French. Etymons: Latin suprēmus; French suprême. Etymology: < classical Latin suprēmus highest in position, topmost, uppermost, uppermost part of, forming the furthest point or edge, endmost, endmost part of, last in time or sequence, final, last stage of, last remaining, culminating, experienced for the last time, accorded to a person at life's end, decisive, final, critical, most exalted, greatest in amount or degree, most grievous, extreme, superlative of superus that is above (see superior adj.). Compare Middle French suppreme , supreme , French suprême (of a person) that is higher than all others (1398), (of spatial relations) highest (c1492), last, final (c1500), Spanish supremo (15th cent.), Portuguese supremo (15th cent.), Italian supremo (1319 as suppremo ). In sense B. 6 partly an independent borrowing of French suprême (1808 denoting a sauce, 1813 denoting the most delicate parts of a bird to eat), partly merged with the existing English word, although sometimes distinguished in spelling (with circumflex accent) and sometimes also in pronunciation. In sauce suprême and suprême sauce after French sauce suprême (1817 or earlier), probably short for sauce au suprême (1814 or earlier). In supreme of chicken n. at Phrases 2 after French suprême de volaille suprême de volaille n.In poetry sometimes formerly stressed on the first syllable. Compare also the following early example of post-classical Latin supremum evening, last hour (use of the neuter singular of classical Latin suprēmus (see above); compare classical Latin suprēma (feminine) close of day, sunset), in an English context:OE Byrhtferð Enchiridion (Ashm.) (1995) ii. iii. 112 Seo forme [todælednyss] hatte mane.., and seo oðer ys gecweden meridies, and seo þridde ys geciged suppremum [L. supremum], þæt ys on æfen oððe seo ytemeste tid. A. adj. I. Highest in authority, importance, or quality. 1. a. Of authority, command, or rank: highest in degree. ΘΚΠ society > authority > [adjective] > supreme (of authority) supremea1475 sovereign?1533 the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > more important > of rank supremea1475 supreme1683 a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 148 Þe chaunceler, when he is present, mey be presydent and haue þe suppreme rule off all þe counsell. 1539 C. Tunstall Serm. Palme Sondaye (1823) 61 Faustinus..alleged..that the byshop of Rome ought to haue the orderynge of all Great Matters..by his supreme auctoritie. 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III iii. vii. 118 It is your fault that you resigne The supreame seat, the throne maiesticall. View more context for this quotation 1632 R. Winterton tr. J. Gerhard Golden Chaine Divine Aphorismes xx. 342 He challengeth unto himself the Supreme power of Excommunicating. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 659 Uriel,..thou..here art likeliest by supream decree Like honour to obtain. View more context for this quotation 1726 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey IV. xix. 170 He, long honour'd in supreme command. 1754 J. Erskine Princ. Law Scotl. I. i. ii. 13 Jurisdiction is either supreme, inferior, or mixed. 1840 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece VII. lvi. 185 When they had joined their forces, Craterus resigned the supreme command to his colleague. 1863 H. Cox Inst. Eng. Govt. i. i. 2 The supreme power of making and abrogating laws. 1937 Times 9 Jan. 12/2 The people, in the sense not of nation but of proletariat, are to have the supreme say in the destinies of the new Spain. 2005 Lexington (Kentucky) Herald Leader (Nexis) 4 Apr. a4 Catholics believe that, by divine law, the pope exercises supreme jurisdiction over the Universal Church. b. Of a person: highest in authority or rank; holding the highest place in authority, government, or power. Formerly also with †to: superior to, having supremacy over.In the expressions supreme head and supreme governor used to designate the sovereign (rather than the Pope) as the paramount authority in spiritual as well as temporal matters in England. ΘΚΠ society > authority > [adjective] > supreme (of authority) > having supreme authority mosteOE sovereign1340 overest1481 supreme1496 primea1591 sovran1649 rankest1907 the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > most important > of people mosta1300 principala1382 principal?a1425 capitalc1475 supreme1496 chief1535 leading1631 staple1642 big league1917 high-level1947 1496 J. Alcock Mons Perfeccionis (de Worde) sig. ci^v A suppreme & a synguler mayster to teche you all thynge. 1532–3 Act 24 Hen. VIII c. 12 Preamble Where by dyvers sundrie olde autentike histories and cronicles it is manifestly declared and expressed that this Realme of Englond is an Impire..governed by oon Supreme heede and King. 1534 Act 26 Hen. VIII c. 1 That the Kyng our Soveraign Lorde..shalbe..reputed the onely supreme heed in erthe of the Churche of England callyd Anglicana Ecclesia. 1558–9 Act 1 Eliz. c. 1. §19 (Form of Oath) I..doo..declare in my Conscience, that the Quenes Highnes is thonelye supreme Governour of this Realme..aswell in all Spirituall or Ecclesiasticall Thinges or Causes as Temporall. 1611 Bible (King James) 1 Pet. ii. 13 Submit your selues to euery ordinance of man..whether it be to the King, as supreme, Or vnto gouernours. 1642 Bp. J. Taylor Of Sacred Order Episcopacy §36 The king is supreme to the bishop in impery. 1696 T. Comber Disc. Offices 84 Such Miscreants..who should thirst so vehemently for the Blood of its Supream Governor. 1765 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. I. i. ii. 146 Of magistrates also some are supreme, in whom the sovereign power of the state resides; others are subordinate, deriving all their authority from the supreme magistrate. 1799 Brit. Mercury 30 Oct. 147 They stand in need of a supreme leader possessing at once, power, pre-eminence, and talents. 1859 T. J. Page La Plata xii. 203 He [sc. Francia] was fifty when he was made supreme ruler of Paraguay. 1890 Speaker 5 July 2/1 M. Stambouloff, as is well known, is supreme in the Government of Bulgaria. 1944 Life 10 Jan. 27/1 President Roosevelt chose Christmas Eve to announce the selection of General Eisenhower as the supreme commander of the invasion from the West. 2001 Birmingham Evening Mail (Nexis) 28 Nov. 11 I will then march to Buckingham Palace to try to bring the matter to the attention of the Queen who is the supreme head of the Church of England. c. Of an executive, legislative, or judicial body: having the highest authority in a state, territory, or organization. See also Supreme Court n., Supreme Court of Judicature n. at Phrases 1, Supreme Soviet n. at Compounds. ΚΠ 1597 J. Skene De Verborum Significatione at Scaccarium Some callis it [sc. the Exchequer] the soveraigne and supreame court. 1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso 8 The Supreme Magistracy of the State-Inquisitors [of Venice], could with three Balletting Balls, easily bury alive any Cesar or Pompey, which began to discover himself in that well-governed State. 1675 J. Gregory Let. 25 Apr. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1977) XI. 287 This is Sir George Mackenzie of Tarbat, who was latelie one of the Lords and judges of the suprem judicature. he lives in the hylands. 1729 in G. Lamoine Charges to Grand Jury (1992) 267 These Judgments..made by the King's Courts, may be reversed by an Appeal to the House of Lords, which is the supreme Court of Judicature, and from whence no Appeal lies in the Crown. 1772 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra I. Ded. p. vi When we say that the legislature is supreme, we mean that it is the highest power known to the constitution. 1823 R. Southey Hist. Peninsular War I. iv. 231 This wretched puppet addressed an edict on the 4th to the supreme Junta at Madrid. 1848 H. H. Wilson Hist. Brit. India 1805–35 III. ix. 535 The Supreme Council..was to consist of six members, of whom four were to be officers of the four Presidencies. 1885 G. F. Dillon War of Antichrist with Church Pref. p. xv Nothing proves more clearly its origin and its connection with the Supreme Directory of the Cosmopolitan Atheistic Conspiracy against religion and order than this one fact. 1903 Monthly Bull. Internat. Bureau Amer. Republics Sept. 684 The present convention shall take effect after its approval by the Supreme Congress of Costa Rica. 2011 Northern Territory (Austral.) News (Nexis) 14 Feb. 17 The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces said the current government would remain in place for a peaceful transition. d. More generally: having a position of dominance or unchallenged superiority. Frequently in to reign supreme (see reign v. 5e). ΚΠ 1656 J. Bramhall Replic. to Bishop of Chalcedon iv. 159 In a great Family there are severall offices, as a Divine, a Physitian, a Schoolmaster, and every one of these is supreme in his own way. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 91 The lower still I fall, onely Supream In miserie. View more context for this quotation a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 238 Man is supreme Lord and Master Of his own Ruin and Disaster. 1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. ii. 26 Which Principle..being in Nature supream,..ought to preside over and govern all the rest. 1786 T. Baldwin Airopaidia i. 3 A most exquisite and ever-varying Miniature of the little Works of Man, heightened by the supreme Pencil of Nature, inimitably elegant, and in her highest Colouring. 1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby xxi. 193 The temple of fashion where Madame Mantalini reigned paramount and supreme. 1884 F. Temple Relations Relig. & Sci. (1885) ii. 59 To believe that the rule of duty is supreme over all the universe, is the first stage of Faith. 1892 B. F. Westcott Gospel of Life 89 Each science is supreme within its own domain. 1920 Rio Grande Republic (New Mexico) 30 Sept. 6/5 A real honest to goodness poker joint, where jack pots, ‘down the river’, stud poker and one card monte reigned supreme. 1959 Time 23 Feb. 22/3 U.S. strike power is clearly supreme now. 2003 Birmingham Post (Nexis) 29 May 34 For all of that late drama the abiding message was that, once again, catenaccio reigns supreme. 2. Of God or an attribute of God: denoting or relating to his status as the paramount ruler of the universe or the most exalted being or intelligence. Of a pagan god or goddess: denoting his or her status as the most exalted or most senior of the gods. Frequently in Supreme Being. ΘΚΠ the world > the supernatural > deity > [adjective] > ruling or majestic supremea1522 the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > nature or attributes of God > [adjective] > ruling or majestic highOE supremea1522 majestical1583 majestatic1659 majestaticala1695 a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1959) x. Prol. l. 21 Thy maist supreme indiuisibill substans, In ane natur thre personys. 1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour sig. g.ij^v Jupiter was alwaye taken of the poetes & philosophers for the supreme god. 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III ii. i. 13 Take heede you dally not before your King, Least he that is the supreme King of Kings, Confound your hidden falshood. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) v. iii. 71 With the consent of supreame Ioue. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 70 Mine both in Heav'n and Earth to do thy will Supream . View more context for this quotation 1699 Bp. G. Burnet Expos. Thirty-nine Articles i. 38 The Supream and Increated Being. 1709 Ld. Shaftesbury Moralists ii. iii. 90 Whether there be really that Supreme One we suppose. 1751 J. Harris Hermes iii. v. 403 Original Truth..having the most intimate connection with the supreme Intelligence. 1820 P. B. Shelley Œdipus Tyrannus i. 7 Thou supreme Goddess! 1836 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece II. xiii. 165 When the victim was to be offered to the supreme God, it was taken up to the top of the highest hill. 1854 Orr's Circle Sci.: Org. Nature I. 29 The proposition..that human science is..adverse to the belief in a Supreme Intelligence. 1914 A. B. Benson Old Norse Elem. in Swedish Romanticism iii. 109 The supreme Odin on his throne Lidskalf looking down upon the world and seeing all that takes place. 1947 A. H. Armstrong Introd. Anc. Philos. xiii. 151 To the Middle Platonists the Supreme God is not beyond all hierarchy. 2011 Times & Transcript (New Brunswick) (Nexis) 18 Jan. d8 Science has done more to show proof of a supreme being than it has to disprove one. 3. a. Of the highest quality, degree, or amount; greatest. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [adjective] highestOE bestOE firstlOE greatest?c1225 of the besta1350 premiera1500 paramount1530 supremec1550 supreme1571 primer1589 top1647 nulli secundus1742 bestest1751 first class1819 beatemest1831 par excellence1839 première1844 first rate1853 beatenest1860 blue ribbon1860 optimum1885 optimal1890 class A1906 all-star1908 grade A1911 five-star1931 mostest1936 tip-topmost1937 the end1950 the most1953 the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > greatest in quantity, amount, or degree mosteOE utmosta1325 uttermore1382 utterestc1386 uttermost1429 outmost1447 utter1513 supreme1571 summoperous1647 top1714 mostest1882 1571 G. Buchanan Admonitioun Trew Lordis sig B.5 Howbeit the inhumanitie was greit, zit wes it not in supreme degre of cruelteis. 1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. F3^v Let their exhald vnholdsome breaths make sicke The life of puritie, the supreme faire, Ere he arriue his wearie noone-tide pricke. View more context for this quotation 1609 S. Daniel Civile Wares (rev. ed.) iv. xli. 97 Hee could not meane t' haue peace with those, Who did in that supreame degree offend. a1631 J. Donne Iuuenilia (1633) sig. C3 If these things kill themselues, they doe it in their best and supreme perfection. 1649 E. Reynolds Israels Prayer (new ed.) vi. 82 The supreame end and happinesse of the soule. 1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 110. ⁋1 That to please the Lord and Father of the universe, is the supreme interest of created..beings. 1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1729 I. 28 Johnson, whose supreme enjoyment was the exercise of his reason. 1847 A. Helps Friends in Council I. vi. 96 I have a supreme disgust for the man who at the hustings has no opinion beyond..the clamour round him. 1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits iv. 51 They have sound bodies, and supreme endurance in war and in labor. 1878 R. W. Dale Lect. Preaching (ed. 3) vii. 212 The death of Christ, which is the supreme revelation of the Divine love. 1915 Daily Kennebec Jrnl. (Augusta, Maine) 28 Jan. 5/4 The ready availability of its resources is of supreme importance in the conduct of a reserve bank. 1947 R. Butts Cultural Hist. Educ. 564 Political correctness was the supreme qualification for the Soviet teacher. 2003 K. Daswani For Matrimonial Purposes (U.K. ed.) 118 It was going to be a supreme blockbuster, all conceived of and implemented by a top Bollywood producer. b. Of a person: highest or greatest in character or achievement; designating a person who is the greatest or most accomplished of his or her class. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > specifically of person wenlichc1200 greatc1300 sovereignc1330 singular1485 supreme?1611 superstar1915 ?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads v. 1 Then Pallas breath'd in Tydeus sonne: to render whom supreame To all the Greekes,..she cast a hoter beame, On his high mind. 1649 Mercurius Aulicus 21–28 Aug. 14 Resolved by the supreme Knack-makers, that a knack be brought in for settling the Colledge of Westminster. 1789 Monthly Rev. 80 (App.) 682 No animal can withstand the extreme cold of the northern climates, equal to man, excepting the canis lagopus; and experiments further prove that he is supreme in the opposite quality. 1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. i. ii. 16 The Supreme Quack. 1874 M. Creighton Hist. Ess. (1902) i. 1 In..the reflective and analytic class, Lionardo and Dante stand supreme. 1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn I. xvii. 149 You are a supreme artist. 1922 B. De Casseres Chameleon 208 Anatole France is the supreme acataleptic among the moderns. 2003 R. Palmer Good Gram. Guide vii.3/140 Jane Austen is a great novelist, but George Eliot is supreme. c. Designating a high-quality variety of fruit or vegetable. ΘΚΠ the world > plants > wild and cultivated plants > food plant or vegetable > [adjective] > excellent supreme1724 the world > food and drink > food > fruit and vegetables > [adjective] > excellent supreme1724 1724 P. Miller Gardeners & Florists Dict. II. at Pear-trees The Supreme-pear, the great Jargonel or Gibberish-pear, or the Fig-pear. 1783 C. Bryant Flora Diætetica vii. 278 The Little Musk, or Supreme Pear, is rather round than long, and is generally produced in clusters. 1870 Tilton's Jrnl. Hort. Sept. 175 James Comley exhibited Yellow Cranberry beans, and Laxton's Prolific and Laxton's Supreme peas. 1901 Garden 6 July 15/3 For the past three seasons, which have been dry and bad ones for salads, Supreme Lettuce has stood well. 2008 R. Harris & L. Fox Artisan Farming 105/2 They have recommended little-known strains such as Honeycrisp and golden supreme apples. d. Of a point or period of time: of the highest or critical importance. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > most important > other material1581 capital1597 supreme1791 staminal1845 red meat1968 1791 tr. R. M. Lesuire French Adventurer III. xii. 216 How sublime and great I found her in these supreme moments! 1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 170 The Carthaginian government managed, even in this supreme hour, to thwart Hamilcar. 1883 Manch. Examiner 26 Nov. 5/1 The generals have been at loggerheads at the supreme moment of the battle. 1922 W. A. Rogers World Worth While iv. 49 The three supreme days that will ever dwell in my mind were the three crucial days of Gettysburg. II. Senses relating to physical or temporal extremity. 4. Highest, loftiest, topmost. Now rare (chiefly poetic in later use). ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > high position > [adjective] > in highest position highestOE umestOE overesta1325 upperestc1374 overmosta1382 supremec1487 upmost1488 uppermostc1500 highermost1593 top1595 topmost1697 headmost1758 culminant1849 tip-topmost1937 c1487 J. Skelton tr. Diodorus Siculus Bibliotheca Historica i. 13 The fyre for his parte by reson of his lightnes atteyned vnto suppreme regyons of the ayer. 1523 J. Skelton Goodly Garlande of Laurell 694 What thynge occasionyd the showris of rayne, Of fyre elementar in his supreme spere. 1578 J. Banister Hist. Man i. f. 26 In the toppe of the shoulder blade, betwene the Processe Acromion, and the supreme part of Scapula. 1653 R. Saunders Physiognomie i. 119 The supream angle being straight, denotes a long life. 1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 78 The supreme or outmost Stratum of the Globe. 1749 London Mag. Nov. 489/1 The eclipse will end at the supreme point of the sun's periphery, at sun set. 1791 N. Tucker tr. E. Swedenborg Apocalypse Revealed I. vii. 382 The Forehead is the supreme Part of the Face. 1808 T. B. Macaulay in G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay (1876) I. i. 32 Day set on Cambria's hills supreme. 1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz 75 Blanc, supreme above his earth-brood. 1907 S. G. Burrard & H. H. Hayden Sketch Geogr. & Geol. Himalaya Mountains & Tibet i. iii. 22 Of all the designations suggested for the supreme peak of the Karakoram that of K² has now the widest vogue. 5. Last, final, ultimate; spec. of or relating to the moment of death. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > end or conclusion > [adjective] finalc1365 endinga1400 finial?a1400 endly1436 conclusional1471 terminalc1475 parting?1570 supreme1570 terminant1589 desinent1608 terminative1613 conclusive1639 graciousa1701 finishing1705 ultimate1755 concluding1795 closing1796 wind-up1843 net1844 conclusory1846 terminational1874 summative1877 wrap-up1968 the world > life > death > [adjective] > moment of death supreme1858 1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 619/2 Wee appeale to the high celestiall iudge, that he may iudge and discerne the same [articles], in the day of hys supreme iudgement. 1606 P. Holland tr. Suetonius Hist. Twelve Caesars 66 The supreme iudgments & testimonies of his friends..delivered at their deaths. 1858 ‘G. Eliot’ Janet's Repentance xv, in Scenes Clerical Life II. 241 The drowning man, urged by the supreme agony, lives in an instant through all his happy and unhappy past. 1866 F. Moore Women of War 281 As earthly scenes failed, he desired to have the supreme rites of his church performed over his dying pillow. 1894 E. Sullivan Woman 57 When she felt the supreme moment approaching she told the musicians to strike up her favourite air. 1927 B. R. Redman tr. R. Rolland Annette & Sylvie i. ii. 26 Until the supreme breath of a gasping agony, like that of a galloping horse that climbs a slope, he battled in terror. III. Senses used in comparative and superlative constructions. 6. In weakened sense in comparative and superlative constructions: high-ranking, having high authority; of great importance or quality; high; (also) late. a. In the superlative (supremest, most supreme). ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [adjective] highestOE bestOE firstlOE greatest?c1225 of the besta1350 premiera1500 paramount1530 supremec1550 supreme1571 primer1589 top1647 nulli secundus1742 bestest1751 first class1819 beatemest1831 par excellence1839 première1844 first rate1853 beatenest1860 blue ribbon1860 optimum1885 optimal1890 class A1906 all-star1908 grade A1911 five-star1931 mostest1936 tip-topmost1937 the end1950 the most1953 the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > most important > of things principalc1300 principal1417 supremec1550 capital1597 hegemonic1656 vital1810 big time1914 high-level1947 the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [adjective] > greatest in degree or extent mosteOE overest1481 supereminent1531 supremec1550 c1550 T. Becon Flour of Godly Praiers f. xliiii Lordes..rule vnder..godlie appointment, whyche art the mooste supreame power. 1632 P. Massinger Emperour of East iv. i. sig. H2 Fate..appointed you To the supremest honor. 1648 R. Herrick Hesperides sig. Y2 Virgins Come, and in a Ring Her supreamest Requiem sing. 1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. iv. 325 Thron'd in omnipotence, supremest Jove Tempers the fates of human race. 1784 J. Douglas Cook's Voy. Pacific II. iii. ix. 150 This man felt the most supreme pleasure. 1811 W. Cuninghame Princ. Constit. Govts. 64 The Satraps, or Governors of Provinces, notwithstanding they had the most Supreme, and Absolute power within their own Territories, were no more than slaves of the Supreme Lord or Master over all. 1862 M. E. Braddon Lady Audley's Secret III. ii. 59 In her supremest hour of misery. 1914 E. F. Benson Arundel (1915) xiii. 311 Her human power of emotion leaped to the supremest arc of that rainbow curve. 2010 Nation (Nairobi) (Nexis) 27 May Among the three arms of the government, Parliament is the most supreme. b. In the comparative (supremer, more supreme). ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > surpassing excellence > [adjective] > and superior in quality higheOE finec1330 supreme1567 uppera1586 nature-graceda1618 de luxe1819 nature-favoured1877 the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [adjective] > greater in degree or extent moreOE supreme1567 the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > more important > of rank supremea1475 supreme1683 1567 T. Stapleton Counterblast ii. ix. f. 130^v The Popes Legats and the Councell with a more Supreme Authority resumed the matter into their hands. 1602 R. Carew Surv. Cornwall i. f. 59^v The far distance thereof from the supremer Courts. 1683 Bp. W. Kennett tr. Erasmus Encomium Moriæ (1709) 125 After their reign here they must appear before a supreamer judge. 1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VII. lxi. 221 Having given way to supremer fervors. 1788 W. Renwick Solicitudes of Absence xix. 247 Supremer feelings tend to excite. 1825 Portfolio 26 Feb. 397/1 The above named supreme manager..who..is himself under the immediate management of another manager still more supreme. 1893 Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) 17 Dec. 35/3 Already France, alarmed for her supremacy, is calling on her rulers for supremer effort in the generous contest for the welcome of mankind. 1919 Brown Univ. in War 34/1 What supremer sacrifice and what more glorious achievement can one attain? 2008 North Devon Jrnl. (Nexis) 24 Apr. 31 Can there be a more supreme magnolia anywhere in North Devon than this beauty? B. n. 1. a. A person having supreme authority, rank, or power; a supreme authority or ruler. Also in extended use. Formerly also: †a superior (obsolete). Now rare. ΘΚΠ society > authority > [noun] > those in authority > person in authority > person in supreme authority princec1225 sovereignc1290 overest1474 supreme1549 supremo1839 1549 J. Ponet tr. B. Ochino Tragoedie Unjuste Usurped Primacie sig. Aa.iii The Pope..reygneth in the..middest of the churche militant as the supreme of all creatures. 1553 E. Crome in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) III. App. x. 24 That they that be prohybyte of the byshops,..ought to cease from preachyng..till they haue purgyd them byfore the supreme of soche suspicion. 1594 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis (new ed.) sig. G^v She clepes him..Imperious supreme of all mortall things. 1631 G. Chapman Caesar & Pompey ii. i. sig. D3 This day had prou'd him the supreame of Cæsar. 1660 E. Waterhouse Disc. Arms & Armory 177 I return to London which I find of great consequence to her Supremes. 1677 W. Hughes Man of Sin i. vi. 27 Was it not a fine cast of his office, that one of them [sc. popes] practised upon one of these Supremes [sc. emperors]? 1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey III. xiii. 144 Old Ocean's dread Supreme. 1774 J. Bryant New Syst. II. 125 He seems to have been the supreme of those æthereal spirits described above. 1781 J. Tucker Treat. Civil Govt. ii. iv. 250 There will be two Supremes within the same State;—a Solecism..even our modern political Refiners have not yet attempted to propose. 1807 E. S. Barrett Rising Sun III. 100 By the act of Reformation, the lord was declared to be the supreme of the church. 1876 D. D. Whedon Pop. Comm. New Test. IV. (Eph. i. 22) 266/2 The words..are spoken of man as the supreme of the earth. 1901 L. House Study 12th Amendment Constit. U.S. 56 Campbell entirely overlooked the Constitution as the supreme of the land. b. Originally and chiefly U.S. Frequently with capital initial: a justice of the Supreme Court. Chiefly in plural. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > one who administers justice > judge > [noun] > in U.S. Chief Justice1788 supreme1969 1969 Galveston (Texas) Daily News 8 May 4 c/4 The ‘Supremes’ have now declared ‘Instant Welfare’ in all fifty states. 1982 N.Y. Mag. 19 Apr. 23/3 Each has been an acting supreme for about ten years. 1999 Winnipeg Free Press 3 May a10/1 No one should expect the Supremes to travel the country enduring gripe sessions or defending the details of their decisions in specific cases, but surely some sort of forum where the public could have access to the judges is not unreasonable. 2003 New Republic 23 June 14/1 If, as anticipated, the Supremes overturn the Texas law, their ruling would invalidate four anti-sodomy laws punishing same-sex behavior. 2. Chiefly with the. (A title of) God or a god. ΘΚΠ the world > the supernatural > deity > [noun] godeOE deityc1374 higher powerc1384 princec1384 divinityc1386 governorc1400 powerc1425 numen1495 fear1535 heaven1554 godheada1586 godhood1586 landlorda1635 supreme1643 supercelestial1652 supernal1661 universality1681 father1820 unspeakable1843 Molimo1861 Mlimo1897 superperson1907 somebody up there1972 sky fairy1997 1643 H. Hammond Script. Plea for Magistrates 13 The ground of this truth is..God the supreame, commands that subjection to the King in such matters. 1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane i. i O thou Supream! 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 257. ¶7 It is the greatest Folly to seek the..Approbation of any Being, besides the Supream. a1766 F. Sheridan Hist. Nourjahad (1767) 197 May the Supreme grant thy petition. a1822 P. B. Shelley Homer's Hymn to Mercury i, in Posthumous Poems (1824) 295 Heaven's dread Supreme. 1884 Contemp. Rev. Feb. 256 That aboriginal law of self-sacrifice which links the Supreme to His creatures. 1921 Homiletic Rev. Nov. 363/2 We have first hand contact with the Supreme of whom they [sc. angels] remind us. 2008 I. Amrani tr. A. Burg Holocaust is Over x. 187 He is the Supreme, the absolute source of authority and nothing is above him. †3. That which is the highest in elevation; the highest or topmost part. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > high position > [noun] > highest point or top headOE copa1000 heightOE topc1000 highestlOE crest1382 coperounc1400 summita1425 summity?a1425 toppet1439 altitude?a1475 upperest1484 principala1533 pitcha1552 supremity1584 culm1587 period1595 spire1600 upward1608 cope1609 fastigium1641 vertex1641 culmen1646 supreme1652 tip-top1702 peak1785 helm1893 altaltissimo1975 1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια xxvi. sig. k^v Anaximander..and Crates say, that the Sunne is the supreame of all, after which the Moon, and beneath these the rest errant, and inerrant. 1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed Ded. sig. A 2^v One, who..took not his information at the shore or Suburbs, but..visited the intestines and supreme, whence he might the better look below, and round about him. 4. a. Chiefly with the. The best or greatest of a particular class. Also with plural agreement. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [noun] bestness1548 preseance1591 presidency1608 primity1643 superlativenessa1649 supreme1681 optimism1797 1681 R. Baxter Invaluable Price of Immortal Soul sig. A5 The best of our actions, the supream of our thoughts, are vain, sinful and Rebellious. 1766 H. Brooke Fool of Quality II. xi. 195 The qualities that entitle a man to this supreme of denominations. 1815 W. Wordsworth Poems I. 227 Supreme of Heroes—bravest, noblest, best! 1848 T. De Quincey Life & Adventures Goldsmith in N. Brit. Rev. May 203 Literature..is the supreme of the fine arts. 1893 R. Brisbane Albert Brisbane 14 He felt that the science of the human passions was the supreme of sciences. 1992 J. Hopkins & D. Y. Yuthok tr. G. Chöpel Tibetan Arts of Love 180 It is said..that providing a woman for someone who is desirous is the supreme of gifts. b. With the. The highest degree or amount of something. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [noun] > quality or fact of being extreme > highest, utmost, or extreme degree heightOE perfectiona1398 utterestc1410 uttermosta1425 tiptoec1440 pinnaclec1450 utmost1472 outmostc1535 extremity1543 abyss1548 top1552 furthest, utmost stretch1558 summa summarum1567 superlative1573 strain1576 extreme1595 fine1596 last1602 yondmost1608 super-superlative1623 pitch1624 utmostness1674 pink1720 supreme1817 ultima Thule1828 peak1902 1817 J. Keats Sleep & Poetry 236 A drainless shower Of light is poesy; 'tis the supreme of power. 1858 T. P. Thompson Audi Alteram Partem I. lxv. 249 The Native Indian term for the supreme of folly, is ‘monkey business’. 1917 Art World Sept. 548/1 The supreme of pleasure—beauty is the supreme desire. 5. A high-quality variety of fruit or vegetable. Cf. A. 3c. Now rare. ΚΠ 1706 G. London & H. Wise Retir'd Gard'ner I. i. xi. 48 Summer Pears. The Little Muscat, The Supreme, The Cuisse-Madame. 1755 S. Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang. at Pear The species are eighty-four: 1. Little musk pear, commonly called the supreme. 1882 Garden 21 Jan. 38/1 Supreme [sc. a variety of pea]..gives large successional pickings. 1903 W. W. Tracy, Jr. List Amer. Varieties Vegetables 1901 & 1902 284 Laxton's Alpha, Laxton's Earliest of All, Laxton's Evolution, Laxton's Extra Early, Laxton's Fillbasket, Laxton's Supreme [peas]. 6. Frequently (esp. in early use) in form suprême. a. More fully sauce suprême, suprême sauce. A rich cream sauce, esp. as served with chicken in suprême de volaille. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > additive > sauce or dressing > [noun] > other sauces galantine1304 civya1325 egerdouce1381 gravy?c1390 camelinea1425 chawdronc1440 saffron sauce?a1505 sibber-sauce1556 ferry?1570 oxoleum1574 slabber-sauce1574 saupiquet1656 slapsauce1708 brown sauce1723 bread sauce1727 custard1747 bechamel1789 caper-sauce1791 tomato sauce1804 custard cream1805 allemande1806 sambal1815 Reading sauce1816 Harvey's Sauce1818 velouté sauce1830 suprême sauce1833 parsley sauce1836 agrodolce1838 Worcestershire sauce1843 espagnole1845 pestoa1848 cheese sauce1854 nam prik1857 Worcester sauce1863 Béarnaise sauce1868 Béarnaise1877 Yorkshire Relish1877 sauce mousseline1892 velvet sauce1893 gribiche1897 mornay sauce1900 sugo1906 sofrito1913 chile con queso1916 foo yung1917 marinara1932 pistou1951 hoisin1957 salsa verde1957 pico de gallo1958 sriracha1959 carbonara1962 amatriciana1963 arrabbiata1963 ponzu1966 puttanesca1971 chermoula1974 tikka masala1975 mojo1983 queso1989 1813 L. E. Ude French Cook viii. 191 (heading) Filets of fowls sautés au suprême.] 1833 R. Dolby Cook's Dict. (rev. ed.) (Bill of Fare for twelve persons. October) Entrées... Scallops of Pheasants, sauce suprème. 1834 H. W. Brand Compl. Mod. Cook 24 No. 45. Suprême Sauce. Reduce some of the foregoing sauce..till only three-fourths of the quantity used remain. 1906 Mrs. Beeton's Bk. Househ. Managem. (rev. ed.) lxii. 1671 Suprême, a rich, delicately flavoured cream sauce, made from chicken stock, etc. 1936 D. Lucas & R. Hume Au Petit Cordon Bleu 73 Pour over the following suprême sauce. 2009 Dallas (Texas) Observer (Nexis) 26 Mar. The dish consists of a thick slab of toast spackled with goat cheese before a kind of sauce supreme loaded with mushrooms and garlic is ladled on top. b. The part of the bird used in making suprême de volaille, usually the breast with the wing-bone attached. Also: a choice cut of any other kind of fish or meat. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > animals for food > fowls > [noun] > cuts or parts of fowl wingc1470 soul?a1475 giblet1546 merrythought1598 sideman1632 sidesman1642 drumstick1646 pinion1655 side bone1712 chicken liver1733 pope's nose1788 liver wing1796 apron1807 parson's nose1836 stumps1845 oyster1855 supreme1856 wishbone1860 pulling bone1877 carcass1883 pully-bone1897 pull-bonea1903 chicken breast1941 chicken tender1955 1856 Times 6 Oct. 8/4 We doubt not that as a pedestrian feat it may try the sinews of various adventurous gentlemen who have not yet walked off the ‘supremes’ and iced champagne of a London season. 1888 Angler's Note-bk. 85/1 Suprême of shark sauté à la Helgramite. 1907 G. A. Escoffier Guide Mod. Cookery ii. xvi. 512 Sauté the suprêmes in butter. Dish and surround with small heaps of vegetables, arranged very neatly, as explained in the case of the Jardinière garnish. 1944 A. L. Simon Conc. Encycl. Gastron. VI. 111/2 The suprêmes are constituted by the meat on each side of the breast, from the point where the wing originates to the extremity of the stomach. 1975 Times 22 Feb. 7/2 Chicken Neptune—a suprême stuffed with prawns and butter and served with a shellfish sauce (£2.20). 1988 Times 19 Feb. 5/7 Pork supremes £1.78 a lb and steak and kidney £1.28 a lb. 1998 Daily Tel. 7 Nov. (Weekend) 11/1 With partridge if I am not simply roasting the whole bird I like to cut off the supreme and then make stock from the legs and carcasses. Phrases P1. Supreme Court of Judicature n. the highest judicial court in various English-speaking regions; spec. (a) the highest judicial court for each of the Presidencies in India during the administration of the East India Company (now historical); (b) (in England and Wales) the highest court below the Supreme Court (formerly below the House of Lords), divided into the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Crown Court; now called the Senior Courts of England and Wales.Cf. (in non-specific use) quot. 1729 at sense A. 1c. ΚΠ 1627 G. Richardson Of State of Europe x. 26 Pau, the Parliament, or supreame Court of iudicature of the country.] 1691 Act for Establishing Courts of Judicature in Colonial Laws N.Y. (1894) I. 229 Itt is hereby enacted and ordained, by the Authority aforesaid that there shall be held and kept a Supreame Court of Judicature, which shall be Duely & Constantly kept att the Citty of New Yorke and not Elsewhere, att the severall & Respective times hereafter mentioned. 1772 Scots Mag. Sept. 459/1 The supreme court of judicature thus constituted, is to possess all civil, criminal, and ecclesiastical jurisdiction. 1810 Morning Post 12 Dec. The late Sir Benjamin Sullivan..had very lately returned from Madras, where for a series of years he had been one of the Judges on the Supreme Court of Judicature. 1873 Act 36 & 37 Victoria c. 66 §3 The several Courts hereinafter mentioned..shall be consolidated together, and shall constitute one Supreme Court of Judicature in England. 1920 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. (new ed.) II. cv. 680 In America, the nine Federal judges of the Supreme Court retain much of the dignity which surrounds the English Supreme Court of Judicature. 1980 Times 29 Apr. 12/1 The Official Solicitor is a senior officer of the Supreme Court of Judicature appointed by the Lord Chancellor. 2004 Mod. Asian Stud. 38 606 The Regulating Act of 1773..established the Supreme Court of Judicature as a legal institution that functioned independently of the commercial operations of the East India Company. P2. supreme of chicken n. a dish consisting of the breast (with wing-bone) of a chicken served with a rich cream sauce. Cf. suprême de volaille n. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > fowl dishes > [noun] blancmange1377 bouce Janec1420 sweet-blanchc1430 dumpoke1698 temperade1699 biberot1706 howtowdie1728 alderman?1782 suprême de volaille1822 chicken fixings1837 paprikahendl1839 poule au pot1849 Marengo1861 paprikahuhn1870 Peking duck1874 poule au riz1882 Maryland chicken1888 chicken finger1900 arroz con pollo1901 moo goo gai pan1902 chicken à la King1905 coq au vin1915 chicken burger1933 supreme of chicken1939 cassoulet1940 chicken rice1950 piccata1963 chicken tender1969 turducken1982 Kiev1993 chimaek2012 1939 Vogue's Cookery Bk. 81 Supreme of Chicken. 1 chicken 4 eggs 1⅓ cups cream. 1959 A. Christie Cat among Pigeons xiv. 154 Ann Shapland..was sitting at a table..eating Supreme of chicken. 1983 Out of Town Dec. 72/2 The pastry case on the Supreme of Chicken..was a little too generous. 2010 Sentinel (Stoke-on-Trent) (Nexis) 12 Nov. 29 That left me to choose between the roast of the day, supreme of chicken, grilled salmon steak, and a roasted Mediterranean vegetable pilaf. Compounds Supreme Soviet n. now historical the national legislature of the U.S.S.R.; (also) the national legislature of any of its constituent republics. ΘΚΠ society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > other national governing or legislative bodies > [noun] > in U.S.S.R. Zemsky Sobor1877 Supreme Soviet1936 1936 Times 15 June 11/4 The legislative assemblies will consist of one All-Union Parliament called the ‘Supreme Council (or Supreme Soviet) of the U.S.S.R.’. 1974 tr. A. Snieckus Soviet Lithuania 67 The Supreme Soviet of the Lithuanian SSR has approved the Five-Year Plan for the economic development of the Republic for 1971–5. 2008 D. Combs Inside Soviet Alternate Universe x. 223 At a closed, stormy session of the Supreme Soviet in June 1991..Pavlov called for a shift in power from Gorbachev to the Council of Ministers. supreme bench n. (also with capital inital(s)) = Supreme Court n.; (also) the justices of the Supreme Court collectively. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > judicial body, assembly, or court > [noun] > courts in U.S. General Court1628 county court1639 praetorial1639 precinct court1669 supreme bench1767 Supreme Court1787 justice court1793 oyer and terminer1840 circuit-court1843 chancery1850 society > law > administration of justice > one who administers justice > [noun] > collectively bench1518 magistery1583 magistracy1607 supreme bench1767 magistrature1830 1767 Scots Mag. Mar. 135/2 I am told that the danger of this trade, unrestrained, was spoke of on our supreme bench of justice. 1859 J. B. O'Neall Biogr. Sketches Bench & Bar S. Carolina I. 192 His wife was..the daughter of Judge Clement Dorsey, of the Supreme Bench of Maryland. 1913 Sat. Evening Post (Philadelphia) 22 Feb. 3/1 The people of Ohio..sent him to the Supreme bench with more votes than any other judicial candidate received. 1970 ABA Jrnl. July 652/1 The assignment of judges was something that the supreme bench decided for itself. 2006 Harvard Law Rev. 119 1268 Middle-way decisionmaking that both satisfied her colleagues on the Supreme Bench and proved flexible enough for lower court judges to resolve..the great majority of similar cases that would follow. supreme good n. the highest good, esp. the ultimate goal according to which values and priorities are established in an ethical system; cf. highest good n. at highest adj., n., and adv. Compounds 2b, summum bonum n. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > [noun] > highest good goodeOE highest goodeOE sovereigna1340 summum bonum1563 supreme good1601 chief good1663 kalon1749 1601 R. Dolman tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. III. 123 It proceedeth from him, who is the supreme good, and the limit of all goodnes. 1630 R. Brathwait Eng. Gentleman 342 How carefull is he in making his barnes larger, in filling his chests fuller..; but how respectlesse of that supreme good, wherein all happinesse consisteth? 1756 T. Amory Life John Buncle I. 121 It [sc. religion] influences our wills, rectifies and subdues our passions, turns the biass of our minds from the objects and pleasures of sense, and fixes them upon the supreme good. 1873 A. P. Peabody Man. Moral Philos. xiv. 198 He represented pleasure as the supreme good, and its pleasure-yielding capacity as the sole criterion by which any act or habit is to be judged. 1915 Internat. Jrnl. Ethics 25 310 Even though humility be the supreme good, then one should resist the aggression of an enemy who threatens to destroy one's life before one has cultivated that virtue. 2008 J. F. Walter Reading Marriage in Amer. Romance i. 6 At the rock bottom of this social philosophy.., ‘survival’ (or absence of pain) is the supreme good. supreme sacrifice n. (with the) the action or fact of laying down one's life for one's country in battle, esp. as applied to combatants in the First World War (1914–18); also in extended use. ΘΚΠ the world > life > death > manner of death > [noun] > violent death > death in battle supreme sacrifice1878 wooden cross1917 society > morality > virtue > morally elevated quality > unselfishness > [noun] > willingness to sacrifice oneself > self-sacrifice > sacrifice of one's life supreme sacrifice1878 1878 Visct. Cranbrook in Times 17 July 9/5 We do well to honour those who die for their country, whether on the field of battle or elsewhere; they have made the supreme sacrifice which we can only requite by sorrowing homage and grateful remembrance. 1915 Times 18 May 15/4 We bear them in lasting remembrance in tribute to the supreme sacrifice which they have been called upon to make. 1942 Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin) 29 May 1/3 As she places this tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice, [etc.]. 1970 Guardian 22 Dec. 2/4 The Governor has emerged from the dark night of the soul that afflicts all politicians pondering the supreme sacrifice. 2010 Belfast Tel. (Nexis) 23 Nov. 28 I have proudly worn the poppy for many years to remember the thousands of men and women who made the supreme sacrifice so that we might live. Derivatives suˈpremeness n. the quality of being supreme; supremacy. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [noun] > highest degree of supremeness1665 primority1727 the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > pre-eminence > [noun] primacyc1384 principalitya1398 pre-eminencec1460 principalness1530 supremacy1579 firsthood1619 transeminency1660 supremeness1665 primality1667 giantship1847 premiership1850 supremity1882 1665 R. Boyle New Exper. & Observ. Cold 596 The suppos'd supremeness of Cold in Salt-petre. 1727 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. II Supremeness, greatest Height, Utmostness. 1896 A. Whyte Bible Char. I. x. 112 An amazing elevation, detachment, supremeness, and sweetness of soul. 1995 Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) (Nexis) 5 Oct. (Style) e1 But with all due respect to his sartorial supremeness, Armani isn't the only game in town. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < adj.n.a1475
随便看	to give a backie to give a bad name to give a ball to give a ball air to give a beating to give a bell to give a big hand to give a blank cheque to to give a bloody nose to give a blow to give a body swerve to give a broadside to give a chance to give a chill to give a clean chit to give a crack to give a crap to give a date to to give a dead leg to give a dummy to give a easy ride to give a etc a bloody nose to give a etc a run for etc money to give a etc a run for her money to give a etc a run for his money