Lest (?), v. i.

To listen.

[Obs.]

Chaucer. Spenser.

 

© Webster 1913.


Lest, n. [See List to choose.]

Lust; desire; pleasure.

[Obs.]

Chaucer.

 

© Webster 1913.


Lest, a.

Last; least.

[Obs.]

Chaucer.

 

© Webster 1913.


Lest, conj. [OE.leste, fr. AS. ls the less that, where is the instrumental case of the definite article, and is an indeclinable relative particle, that, who, which. See The, Less, a.]

1.

For ear that; that . . . not; in order that . . . not.

Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty. Prov. xx. 18.

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth he standeth take heed lest he fall. I Cor. x. 12.

2.

That (without the negative particle); -- after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension.

I feared Lest I might anger thee. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.

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