Lit″tle, n. 1. That which is little; a small quantity, amount, space, or the like.
Much was in little writ. Dryden.
There are many expressions, which carrying with them no clear ideas, are like to remove but little of my ignorance. Locke.
2. A small degree or scale; miniature. “ His picture in little.” Shak.
A little, to or in a small degree; to a limited extent; somewhat; for a short time. “ Stay a little.” Shak.
The painter flattered her a little. Shak.
— By little and little, orLittle by little, by slow degrees; piecemeal; gradually.