ETYM Old Eng. last, lest, as. laesast, laesest, superl. of laessa less. Related to Less.
(Superlative of 'little' used with mass nouns; usually preceded by 'the') Quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree.
(Homonym: leased).
1. Having or being distinguished by diminutive size; SYN. littlest, smallest.
2. Minimal in magnitude; SYN. lowest, smallest.