adv. Obs. [OE. on neáhwest, neáwest in the neighborhood or vicinity (cf. OHG. nâhwist); hence, near, nigh.]
1. Of place: Near, hard by.
c. 1000. Elene, 874. Brohton þa on bære … on neáweste ʓingne gástlease.
c. 1205. Lay., 25752. Forð þe king wende; þat he com aneuste [1250 þat he anewest com].
1598. Florio, Arente, aneust, anenst, very near, hard by.
2. Of manner and degree: Very nearly, well-nigh, closely.
1589. R. Harvey, Pl. Perc., 19. I know a newst what Circuit you are in.
1674. Ray, S. & E. Countr. Words, 58. Anewst, nigh, almost, near hand, about, circiter.
1881. Isle of Wight Gloss., Aneust, nearly alike.
