"let" Definition

Definitions for the word "let" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v. t.
To retard; to hinder; to impede; to oppose.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A retarding; hindrance; obstacle; impediment; delay; -- common in the phrase without let or hindrance, but elsewhere archaic.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
A stroke in which a ball touches the top of the net in passing over.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. imp. & p. p.
of Let
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To leave; to relinquish; to abandon.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To consider; to think; to esteem.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
To cause; to make; -- used with the infinitive in the active form but in the passive sense; as, let make, i. e., cause to be made; let bring, i. e., cause to be brought.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To permit; to allow; to suffer; -- either affirmatively, by positive act, or negatively, by neglecting to restrain or prevent.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. t.
To allow to be used or occupied for a compensation; to lease; to rent; to hire out; -- often with out; as, to let a farm; to let a house; to let out horses.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
To give, grant, or assign, as a work, privilege, or contract; -- often with out; as, to let the building of a bridge; to let out the lathing and the plastering.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. i.
To forbear.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. i.
To be let or leased; as, the farm lets for $500 a year. See note under Let, v. t.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v.
(-tt-; past and past part. Let) 1 a allow to, not prevent or forbid. B cause to (let me know). 2 (foll. By into) allow to enter. 3 grant the use of (rooms, land, etc.) For rent or hire. 4 allow or cause (liquid or air) to escape (let blood). 5 aux. Supplying the first and third persons of the imperative in exhortations (let us pray), commands (let it be done at once; let there be light), assumptions, etc. (let ab equal cd). n. Act of letting a house, room, etc. let alone 1 not to mention, far less or more (hasn''t got a television, let alone a video). 2 = let be. Let be not interfere with, attend to, or do. Let down 1 lower. 2 fail to support or satisfy, disappoint. 3 lengthen (a garment). 4 deflate (a tyre). Let down gently reject or disappoint without humiliating. Let drop (or fall) drop (esp. A word or hint) intentionally or by accident. Let go 1 release. 2 a (often foll. By of) lose one''s hold. B lose hold of. Let oneself go 1 act spontaneously. 2 neglect one''s appearance or habits. Let in 1 allow to enter (let the dog in; let in a flood of light). 2 (foll. By for) involve (a person, often oneself) in loss or difficulty. 3 (foll. By on) allow (a person) to share a secret, privileges, etc. Let loose release, unchain. Let off 1 a fire (a gun). B explode (a bomb). 2 allow or cause (steam etc.) To escape. 3 a not punish or compel. B (foll. By with) punish lightly.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
14. n.
Obstruction of a ball or player in tennis etc., requiring the ball to be served again. v. (-tt-; past and past part. Letted or let) archaic hinder, obstruct. without let or hindrance unimpeded. [old english: related to *late]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

Dictionary entries nearby:

Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "let" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "let" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "let") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.