Bettermost

Most all the bettermost folks in these parts are axed, and the doctor, the lawyer, and the minister is invited; it's no skim-milk story, I do assure-you, but upper crust, real jam.

The "universal fermentation," which Mr. Hume (Chap. xlv.) describes as about the beginning of the seventeenth century, occasioned by the revival of letters, then first became operative in the diffusion of knowledge among the people, at least among the bettermost classes, enlarged men's ideas, and by a necessary consequence led to discussions of political rights, and dissatisfaction with abuses of all kinds […]

Not from smaller men, mind you, nor yet from our equals ; but what's simple impidence an' sauce not to be borne from the common sort, be just greatness of mind in the bettermost.

The bettermost bread in three counties, Pa used to say.