adv. [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.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Clerk’s T., 910. Do thou thy devoir at the leeste weye.
1470–85. Malory, Arthur, IV. xxi. So this same dolorous knyȝt serued hem al, that at the lest way he smote doune hors and man.
1526. Tindale, Acts v. 15. That at the lest waye the shadowe off Peter … myght shadowe some of them.
1548. Udall, 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.
1552. Latimer, Serm. 23rd Sund. Trinity (1584), 205. Let vs be moued at the least wayes with his promises.
1606. Holland, Sueton., 100. In expectance either of speedy succession after him, or at least waies of fellowship in the Empire with him.
a. 1825. Forby, Voc. E. Anglia, Least-ways, adv. at least; least-wise.
1852. Dickens, Bleak Ho., liv. He was own brother to a brimstone magpie—leastways Mrs. Smallweed.
1866. G. Macdonald, Ann. Q. Neighb., vii. (1878), 103. She lets them, leastways her sister go and see her.
