to have (also get) the worse and variants: to be worsted or defeated in a contest; to have the disadvantage in a comparison, bargain, etc., with…

absol. and intransitive. To lose, be a loser.

transitive. Frequent in phrases expressive of actions referred to allusively or figuratively, as to lick one's fingers, to lick one's lips, an…

= worse, n. 1 worse, n. 3. In early use frequently in to get (also have) the waur: to get the worst of it; cf. to have (also get) the worse at worse…

intransitive (a) To be overthrown or defeated; to fall before a conqueror or conquering force. Cf. to go adown at phrasal verbs 1. (b) In later use…

to go to (also unto) the worse: to be defeated or worsted, to fail. Similarly to go away (also flee) with the worse and variants. Obsolete.

to have (also get) the worst: (originally) to be defeated in a conflict, contest, etc.; (later also) to be in the most disadvantageous position…

to go to (also unto) the worse: to be defeated or worsted, to fail. Similarly to go away (also flee) with the worse and variants. Obsolete.

intransitive. to go by the worse (also worst): to be defeated, to come out worst. Obsolete.

to give (a person) the overthrow: to defeat or overthrow. to have the overthrow: to be defeated. Obsolete.

absol. To be defeated; also, to forfeit money by defeat in a game.

To fail to gain, attain, or win: = lose, v.1 7, 8; absol. to lose the battle, be defeated: = lose, v.1 8b.