Next /(nĕkst)/

Nearest in place; having no similar object intervening.
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.
Nearest in time; as, the next day or hour.
Adjoining in a series; immediately preceding or following in order.
None could tell whose turn should be the next.
— Gay.
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.

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

adv.

In the time, place, or order nearest or immediately succeeding; as, this man follows next.