lest Meaning, Definition & Usage

Lest intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To listen. Obs. Chaucer. Spenser.

Lest noun

Etymology

See List to choose.

Definitions

1. Lust; desire; pleasure. Obs. Chaucer.

Lest adjective

Definitions

1. Last; least. Obs. Chaucer.

Lest conjunction

Etymology

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.

Definitions

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.