n. [ L., adv. fr. optimus the best. ] One of those who stand in the second rank of honors, immediately after the wranglers, in the University of Cambridge, England. They are divided into senior and junior optimes. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. F. optimatie. See Optimate. ]
a. Best possible; most desirable; optimum;
a. [ L. optimas, -atis, adj., optimates, n. pl., the adherents of the best men, the aristocrats, fr. optimus the best. ] Of or pertaining to the nobility or aristocracy. [ R. ] --
‖n. pl. [ L. See Optimate. ] The nobility or aristocracy of ancient Rome, as opposed to the