01 a. Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant; as, the least insect; the least mercy; the least space.
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1.
Smallest, either in size or degree; shortest; lowest; most unimportant; as, the least insect; the least mercy; the least space.[Used as the superlative of little.]“I am the least of the apostles.” — 1 Cor. xv. 9.“He who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses The tempted with dishonor.” — Milton.“Upon the mast they saw a young man, at least if he were a man, who sat as on horseback.” — Sir P. Sidney.
Phrases & compounds
At least —
at the least estimate, consideration, chance, etc.; being no less than; hence, at any rate; at all events; even. See However.