| 释义 |
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.
c1386Chaucer Clerk's T. 910 Do thou thy devoir at the leeste weye. 1470–85Malory Arthur iv. xxi, So this same dolorous knyȝt serued hem al, that at the lest way he smote doune hors and man. 1526Tindale Acts v. 15 That at the lest waye the shadowe off Peter..myght shadowe some of them. 1548Udall, 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. 1552Latimer Serm. 23rd Sund. Trinity (1584) 205 Let vs be moued at the least wayes with his promises. 1606Holland Sueton. 100 In expectance either of speedy succession after him, or at least waies of fellowship in the Empire with him. a1825Forby Voc. E. Anglia, Least-ways, adv. at least; least-wise. 1852Dickens Bleak Ho. liv, He was own brother to a brimstone magpie—leastways Mrs. Smallweed. 1866G. Macdonald Ann. Q. Neighb. vii. (1878) 103 She lets them, leastways her sister go and see her. |