adv. [See WISE sb., -WISE, and cf. LEASTWAYS.] † a. As two words (later often written as one) in certain phrases: at (the) least wise, = ‘at least’; in the least wise, = ‘in the least.’ Obs. b. As one word = ‘at least.’ Somewhat rare.
1534. More, Comf. agst. Trib., III. xi. (1553), P iij b. Though a man … abide in great authoritie til he dye, yet than at ye leaste wise euery man must leaue it at ye last.
1577. Vautrouillier, Luther on Ep. Gal., 243. I feele not my selfe to haue any righteousnes, or at least wise, I feele it but very litle.
1611. Bible, Transl. Pref., 2. The first christened Emperour (at the leastwise that openly professed the faith).
1676. Temple, Lett. to M. Pomponne. Wks. 1731, II. 365. I judged it a Matter of too great Weight for me to intermeddle with in the leastwise.
1692. S. Patrick, Answ. Touchstone, 12. Impugned … by the Authority of Holy Scripture, or at least-wise, by the Universal Councils of Catholick Priests.
a. 1825. [see LEASTWAYS].
1861. Geo. Eliot, Silas M., xvi. 281. It was a sign that his money would come to light again, or leastwise that the robber would be made to answer for it.
1883. A. Edersheim, Life Jesus, I. ii. 20. The old Testament, leastwise, the Law of Moses, was directly and wholly from God.
