Leaven, lev′n, n. the ferment which makes dough rise in a spongy form: anything that makes a general change, whether good or bad.—v.t. to raise with leaven: to taint.—n. Leav′ening.—adj. Leav′enous, containing leaven. [Fr. levain—L. levamen—levāre, to raise—levis, light.]
Leaves, lēvz, pl. of leaf.
Leavings, lēv′ingz, n.pl. things left: relics: refuse.—n. Leav′ing-shop, an unlicensed pawnshop.
Leavy, lēv′i, adj. (Shak.). Same as Leafy.
Lecher, lech′ėr, n. a man addicted to lewdness.—v.i. to practise lewdness.—adj. Lech′erous, lustful: provoking lust.—adv. Lech′erously.—ns. Lech′erousness, Lech′ery. [O. Fr. lecheor—lecher, to lick; from Old High Ger. lechón, Ger. lecken, Eng. lick.]
Lectern, lek′tėrn, n. a reading-desk in churches from which the Scripture lessons are read.—ns. (obs.) Lec′turn, Let′tern. [Low L. lectrinum—Low L. lectrum, a pulpit—Gr. lektron, a couch.]
Lection, lek′shun, n. a reading: a variety in a manuscript or book: a portion of Scripture read in divine service.—ns. Lec′tionary, a book for use in worship, containing lessons for particular days; Lec′tor, a reader: a reader of Scripture in the ancient churches; Lec′tress, a female reader. [L. lection-em—legĕre, lectum, to read.]
Lectual, lek′tū-al, adj. confining to the bed.
Lecture, lek′tūr, n. a discourse on any subject, esp. a professional or tutorial discourse: an expository and discursive religious discourse, usually based on an extended passage of Scripture rather than a single text: an endowed lectureship, as the Bampton, Hulsean, &c.: a formal reproof.—v.t. to instruct by discourses: to instruct authoritatively: to reprove.—v.i. to give a lecture or lectures.—ns. Lec′turer, one who lectures: one of a class of preachers in the Church of England, chosen by the vestry and supported by voluntary contributions; Lec′tureship, the office of a lecturer. [See Lection.]
Led, led, pa.t. and pa.p. of lead, to show the way.—adj. under leading or control, esp. of a farm or place managed by a deputy instead of the owner or tenant in person.—Led captain, an obsequious attendant, a henchman; Led horse, a spare horse led by a servant, a sumpter-horse or pack-horse.