At least, or At the least, at the least estimate, consideration,
chance, etc.; 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. 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, conj. See Lest, conj. [Obs.] Spenser.
{ Least"ways` (?), Least"wise` (?), } adv. At least; at all events.
[Colloq.]
At leastways, or At leastwise, at least. [Obs.] Fuller.
Lea"sy (?), a. [AS. leás void, loose, false. Cf. Leasing.] Flimsy;
vague; deceptive. [Obs.] Ascham.
Leat (?), n. [Cf. Lead to conduct.] An artificial water trench, esp.
one to or from a mill. C. Kingsley.
Leath"er (l"r), n. [OE. lether, AS. leðer; akin to D. leder, leêr, G.
leder, OHG. ledar, Icel. leðr, Sw. läder, Dan. læder.] 1. The skin of
an animal, or some part of such skin, tanned, tawed, or otherwise
dressed for use; also, dressed hides, collectively.