c. 1200, contracted from Middle English phrase les te "less that," from Old English phrase þy læs þe "whereby less that," from þy, instrumental case of demonstrative article þæt "that" + læs (see less) + þe "the." The þy was dropped and the remaining two words contracted into leste.
雙語例句
1. He gripped his brother's arm lest he be trampled by the mob.
他緊抓著他兄弟的胳膊，怕他讓暴民踩著。
來自《權威詞典》
2. They decided to retreat lest they would be between two fires.
他們決定撤退,否則就要受兩麵夾擊.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
3. Be careful lest you ( should ) fall from the tree.
小心,不要從樹上掉下來.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
4. Let me put down your telephone number lest I forget it.
讓我先記下你的電話號碼,以免忘了.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
5. Close the window quickly lest the raindrops ( should ) slant in.