Second-best; second in order of preference. Also as n.: the second-best person or thing.

Second best; of the second grade of quality.

Next in quality to the first.

Having the degree of quality, fineness, etc. next to the best; of the second grade or class. Now only Commerce in certain customary uses.

Of second quality; of the second rank with respect to size; = secondary, adj.

Of the second ‘rate’ (said of ships). Hence, Of the second class in point of quality or excellence; usually in vaguer (depreciative) sense. Not…

(see quot. 1876); also attributive; also gen., any second row or series; frequently attributive or as adj., esp. designating persons or things that…

Of or belonging to the class (in any sense of the word) next to the first. Also absol. a place in the second class (in an examination); also a…