leastways, adv.
(ˈliːstweɪz)
[See way.]
† a. Orig. two words (subsequently often written as one) in the phrase at (the) least way(s = ‘at least’ (cf. leastwise). Obs. b. As one word, in the same sense. dial. and vulgar.
| c 1386 Chaucer Clerk's T. 910 Do thou thy devoir at the leeste weye. 1470–85 Malory Arthur iv. xxi, So this same dolorous knyȝt serued hem al, that at the lest way he smote doune hors and man. 1526 Tindale Acts v. 15 That at the lest waye the shadowe off Peter..myght shadowe some of them. 1548 Udall, etc. Erasm. Par. John xviii. 37–40 If ye wyll not spare..hym as an innocente, at leastwaye..pardon hym his life as an offender. 1552 Latimer Serm. 23rd Sund. Trinity (1584) 205 Let vs be moued at the least wayes with his promises. 1606 Holland Sueton. 100 In expectance either of speedy succession after him, or at least waies of fellowship in the Empire with him. a 1825 Forby Voc. E. Anglia, Least-ways, adv. at least; least-wise. 1852 Dickens Bleak Ho. liv, He was own brother to a brimstone magpie—leastways Mrs. Smallweed. 1866 G. Macdonald Ann. Q. Neighb. vii. (1878) 103 She lets them, leastways her sister go and see her. |