a. [ OE. last, lest, AS. l&aemacr_;sast, l&aemacr_;sest, superl. of l&aemacr_;ssa less. See Less, a. ] [ Used as the superlative of little. ] Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant;
☞ Least is often used with the, as if a noun. [ 1913 Webster ]
I am the least of the apostles. 1 Cor. xv. 9. [ 1913 Webster ]
At least,
At the least
He who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses
The tempted with dishonor. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
Upon the mast they saw a young man, at least if he were a man, who sat as on horseback. Sir P. Sidney.
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In least,
In the least
Least squares (Math.),
adv. In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others;
conj. See Lest, conj. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]
At leastways,
At leastwise