Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-MID', or A-MIDST', prep. [of a and Sax. midd, the middle, L. medius.]

1. Amidst is the superlative degree middest, a contraction of Sax. mid-mesta, mid-most. [See Middle and Midst.]
2. In the midst or middle.
3. Among; mingled with; as, a shepherd amidst his flock.
4. Surrounded, encompassed, or enveloped with; as, amidst the shade; amid the waves. Amid is used mostly in poetry.