Less (lĕs), conj.Unless. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

Less , a. [OE. lesse, AS. lǣssa; akin to OFries. lēssa; a compar. from a lost positive form. Cf. Lesser, Lest, Least. Less has the sense of the comparative degree of little.] Smaller; not so large or great; not so much; shorter; inferior; as, a less quantity or number; a horse of less size or value; in less time than before.

☞ The substantive which less qualifies is often omitted; as, the purse contained less (money) than ten dollars. See Less, n.

Thus in less [time] than a hundred years from the coming of Augustine, all England became Christian. E. A. Freeman.

Less , adv. [AS. lǣs. See Less, adj., and cf. Lest.] Not so much; in a smaller or lower degree; as, less bright or loud; less beautiful.

Less , n.

1. A smaller portion or quantity.

The children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. Ex. xvi. 17.

2. The inferior, younger, or smaller.

The less is blessed of the better. Heb. vii. 7.

Less , v. t. To make less; to lessen. [Obs.] Gower.

-- Webster's unabridged 1913