Lest (?), v. i.
To listen.
[Obs.]
Chaucer. Spenser.
© Webster 1913.
Lest, n. [See List to choose.]
Lust; desire; pleasure.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
© Webster 1913.
Lest, a.
Last; least.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
© Webster 1913.
Lest, conj. [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.]
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.
© Webster 1913.