least
[li:st]
n. , ,

a. ,

ad. ,



least
[ noun ]

1. something that is of no importance

<noun.cognition>
it is the least I can do
that is the least of my concerns

[ adj ]

1. the superlative of `little' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by `the'; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

<adj.all>
didn't care the least bit
he has the least talent of anyone

[ adv ]

1. used to form the superlative

<adv.all>
The garter snake is the least dangerous snake

Least \Least\ (l[=e]st), a. [OE. last, lest, AS. l[=ae]sast,
l[=ae]sest, superl. of l[=ae]ssa less. See {Less}, a.] [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.

Note: 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.

Upon the mast they saw a young man, at least if he
were a man, who sat as on horseback. --Sir P.
Sidney.


{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.

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


Least \Least\, conj.
See {Lest}, conj. [Obs.] --Spenser.