I. ˈlēst adjective
Etymology: Middle English leest, from Old English lǣst; akin to Old Frisian lērest least; superl. corresponding to the compar. represented by Old English lǣssa less, smaller — more at less
1. : lowest in importance or position
the least of my worries
anyone who preached its abrogation would be least in the Kingdom of Heaven — M.R.Cohen
2.
a. : smallest in size or degree
the least finger of his left hand appeared to have suffered a slight sprain — Elinor Wylie
b. now dialect : being the smallest or youngest child — often used in the phrase least one or least un
one of the least uns at home gets took down — M.E.Sheppard
too busy … to show affection for any but the least one — Charlie M. Simon
c. : being a member of a kind distinguished by diminutive size — used in plant or animal names
d. : smallest possible : slightest
the least noise would startle her
negotiates his way with trust and the least violence — Robert Francis
treasures every least indication that she may be softer than her sister — E.K.Brown
the least means shall be used to achieve the greatest end — Robert Richman
believed that the least government was the best government — Irving Stone
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English leest, from Old English lǣst, from lǣst, adjective
1. : something that is least : something of the lowest or slightest possible value, importance, or scope
that's the least of my worries
the least that may be said
at his least … he is diverting — Robert Phelps
the least it can then do is to lend a hand — W.H.Whyte
2. : a game in skat in which the object is to win as few points as possible with jacks trumps and with a base value of 10 points and which is played when no player bids voluntarily
•
- at least
- in the least
III. adverb
Etymology: Middle English leest, from leest, adjective
: in the smallest or lowest degree
the least important of his reasons
may grant a divorce to the party least in fault — Morris Ploscowe
the Federal government acts best when it acts least — Max Ascoli