Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Least

Least

(lēst)
,
Adj.
[OE.
last
,
lest
, AS.
lǣsast
,
lǣsest
, superl. of
lǣssa
less. See
Less
,
Adj.
]
[Used as the superlative of little.]
Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant;
as, the
least
insect; the
least
mercy; the
least
space.
Least is often used with the, as if a noun.
I am the
least
of the apostles.
1 Cor. xv. 9.
At least
, or
At the least
,
at the least estimate, consideration, chance, etc.; being no less than; hence, at any rate; at all events; even. See
However
.
He who tempts, though in vain,
at least
asperses
The tempted with dishonor.
Milton.
In least
, or
In the least
,
in the least degree, manner, etc.
“He that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
Luke xvi. 10.
Least squares
(Math.)
,
a method of deducing from a number of carefully made yet slightly discordant observations of a phenomenon the most probable values of the unknown quantities.
It takes as its fundamental principle that the most probable values are those which make the sum of the squares of the residual errors of the observation a minimum.

Least

,
adv.
In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others;
as, to reward those who
least
deserve it
.

Least

,
c
onj.
See
Lest
,
c
onj.
[Obs.]
Spenser.

Webster 1828 Edition


Least

LEAST

,
Adj.
Smallest; little beyond others, either in size or degree; as the least insect; the least mercy.
Least is often used without the noun to which it refers. 'I am the least of the apostles,' that is, the least apostle of all the apostles. 1Cor. 15.

LEAST

,
adv.
1.
In the smallest or lowest degree; in a degree below all others; as, to reward those who least deserve it.
At least,
At the least, To say no more; not to demand or affirm more than is barely sufficient; at the lowest degree. If he has not incurred a penalty, he at least deserves censure.
He who tempts, though vain, at least asperses the tempted with dishonor.
2.
To say no more. Let useful observations be at least a part of your conversation.
The least, in the smallest degree. His faculties are not in the least impaired.
At leastwise, in the sense of at least, is obsolete.