Show Search Results Show Browse

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

LEAST, conj. Sc. form of Eng. lest, in case that, for fear that (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 20; Abd., m.Lth., Uls. 1960). Also least that, id., leest (Sc. 1711 Speech for Mr Dundasse 7). [lest; Abd., Rxb. list]Sc. 1720 Rec. Conv. Burghs (B.R.S.) 243:
Least attacks or incroachments should be made upon the rights and priviledges of the royal burrows.
Sh. 1787 J. Mill Diary (S.H.S.) 79:
A man of war to keep these rough people in aw and order, least when drunk and mad with gin they should set the town of Lerwick on fire.
Rxb. 1825 R. Davidson Poems 112:
Least that their wee drap bluid should frieze Oft toasts their loof.
Dmf. 1866 R. Quinn Heather Lintie 104:
But least your patience I impair I'se now desist.

You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.

"Least conj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 29 Mar 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/least_conj>

17242

snd

Hide Advanced Search

Browse SND:

    Loading...

Share: