Next \Next\ (n[e^]kst), a., superl. of Nigh. [AS. n[=e]hst, ni['e]hst, n[=y]hst, superl. of ne['a]h nigh. See Nigh.]

1. Nearest in place; having no similar object intervening. --Chaucer.

Her princely guest Was next her side; in order sat the rest. --Dryden.

Fear followed me so hard, that I fled the next way. --Bunyan.

2. Nearest in time; as, the next day or hour.

3. Adjoining in a series; immediately preceding or following in order.

None could tell whose turn should be the next. --Gay.

4. Nearest in degree, quality, rank, right, or relation; as, the next heir was an infant.

The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. --Ruth ii. 20.

Note: Next is usually followed by to before an object, but to is sometimes omitted. In such cases next in considered by many grammarians as a preposition.

Next friend (Law), one who represents an infant, a married woman, or any person who can not appear sui juris, in a suit at law.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Next \Next\, adv. In the time, place, or order nearest or immediately suceeding; as, this man follows next.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Nigh \Nigh\, a. [Compar. Nigher; superl. Nighest, or Next.]

[OE. nigh, neigh, neih, AS. ne['a]h, n?h; akin to D. na, adv., OS. n[=a]h, a., OHG. n[=a]h, G. nah, a., nach to, after, Icel. n[=a] (in comp.) nigh, Goth. n?hw, n?hwa, adv., nigh. Cf. Near, Neighbor, Next.]

1. Not distant or remote in place or time; near.

The loud tumult shows the battle nigh. --Prior.

2. Not remote in degree, kindred, circumstances, etc.; closely allied; intimate. ``Nigh kinsmen.'' --Knolles.

Ye . . . are made nigh by the blood of Christ. --Eph. ii. 13.

Syn: Near; close; adjacent; contiguous; present; neighboring.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)