—adj.
1 smaller in extent, degree, duration, number, etc. (of less importance; in a less degree).
2 of smaller quantity, not so much (opp. MORE) (find less difficulty; eat less meat).
3 disp. fewer (eat less biscuits).
4 of lower rank etc. (no less a person than; James the Less).
—adv. to a smaller extent, in a lower degree.
—n. a smaller amount or quantity or number (cannot take less; for less than pound10; is little less than disgraceful).
—prep. minus (made pound1,000 less tax).
Phrases and idioms:
in less than no time joc. very quickly or soon. much (or still) less with even greater force of denial (do not suspect him of negligence, much less of dishonesty).
Etymology: OE laeligssa (adj.), laeligs (adv.), f. Gmc
Useful english dictionary. 2012.