Utmost, a.
Etymology: [OE. utmeste, utemest, AS. , a superlative fr. out. Out, and cf. Aftermost, Outmost, Uttermost.]
1. Situated at the farthest point or extremity; farthest out; most distant; extreme; as, the utmost limits of the land; the utmost extent of human knowledge. Spenser. We coasted within two leagues of Antibes, which is the utmost town in France. Evelyn. Betwixt two thieves I spend my utmost breath. Herbert.
2. Being in the greatest or highest degree, quantity, number, or the like; greatest; as, the utmost assiduity; the utmost harmony; the utmost misery or happiness. He shall answer . . . to his utmost peril. Shak. Six or seven thousand is their utmost power. Shak.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Utmost, n.
The most that can be; the farthest limit; the greatest power, degree, or effort; as, he has done his utmost; try your utmost. We have tried the utmost of our friends. Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for utmost; he lists it under end.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.