Main Entry:

lest

Pronunciation:

\ˈlest\

Function:

conjunction

Etymology:

Middle English les the, leste, from Old English thȳ lǣs the, from thȳ (instrumental of thæt that) + lǣs + the, relative particle

Date:

before 12th century

: for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension <worried lest she should be late><hesitant to speak out lest he be fired>