> as lemmas

1568 T. Harding Detection Sundrie Foule Errours To Rdr. sig. ******iij The taking of aduantage is vndue and ouer captious, or by some sleight of M. Iewel falsified and corrupted, or, to saie the least, by vntrue construction wrested to a sense by the Authour neuer intended.

1598 H. Jacob Treat. Sufferings & Victory Christ 76 This reason will seeme altogeather vnreasonable, and harshe in the eares of some, to say the least of it.

1637 G. Gillespie Dispute against Eng.-Popish Ceremonies iii. i. 3 Carnall worship therefore, and Ceremoniall observations are (to say the least) superfluous in Religion, and by consequence superstitious.

1689 H. Newcome Divine Goodness 19 Let Swearing be left out of your common Conversation, where, to say the least, it is Impertinent.

1750 S. Richardson Familiar Lett. xciv. 133 His Character is not equal, in any respect, to say the least..to that of your late good Spouse.

1791 H. Macleod Casus Principis xiv. 169 The two Royal Dukes were created by the King in Parliament; which, to say the least of it, was the mode of conferring nobility most honourable to those promoted.

1809 Deb. Congr. U.S. 20 Feb. (1853) 422 To say the least of it, the people will perceive..an uncommon coincidence.

1850 J. McCosh Method Divine Govt. (ed. 2) ii. ii. 203 We hold the moral law to be as much, to say the least of it, the appointment of God as any natural law.

1928 R. Campbell Wayzgoose i. 26 Muses Nine, Those strapping girls whose love, to say the least, Would make a rabid Mormon of a priest.

1974 D. Scannell Mother knew Best vi. 59 Mother said vanity was a besetting sin which Amy resented, to say the least of it.

2012 Independent 7 Sept. 31/1 The clinical benefits of the treatment are contentious, to say the least.