Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Lesser
Less′er
(lĕs′ẽr)
, Adj.
[This word is formed by adding anew the compar. suffix ]
-er
(in which r
is from an original s
) to less
. See Less
, Adj.
Less; smaller; inferior.
God made . . . the
lesser
light to rule the night. Gen. i. 15.
☞ Lesser is used for less, now the compar. of little, in certain special instances in which its employment has become established by custom; as, Lesser Asia (i. e., Asia Minor), the lesser light, and some others; also in poetry, for the sake of the meter, and in prose where its use renders the passage more euphonious.
The more my prayer, the
lesser
is my grace. Shakespeare
The larger here, and there the
lesser
lambs. Pope.
By the same reason may a man, in the state of nature, punish the
lesser
breaches of the law. Locke.
Less′er
,adv.
Less.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Webster 1828 Edition
Lesser
LESS'ER
,Adj.
Less; smaller. Authors always write the Lesser Asia.
By the same reason, may a man in a state of nature, punish the lesser breaches of that law.
God made the lesser light to rule the night. Gen. 1.