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last(6) (iou)



last verb1. [l¨»:st]

verb trans. Orig., follow (a leader); pursue (a course, a practice). Later, carry out (a command, a promise); pay (tribute); maintain (peace). OE-L15.
verb intrans. Of a state of things, a process, a period of time: continue, endure, go on. OE.
L. Hellman We must have had a lot of wine because our lunch lasted long after everybody left. H. Bailey A short sharp war, which would last perhaps six months.
b. With compl. preposition phr.: continue in a specified condition, course of action, etc. ME-M17.
Milton Whence in perpetual fight they needs must last Endless, and no solution will be found.
a. verb intrans. Hold out; continue fresh, unbroken, unimpaired, effective, etc. Of a person (also foll. by out): manage to continue in a post, a course of action, etc.; remain alive. ME.
G. Greene His prose, unlike his poetry, has not lasted well. M. N. Cox Is this relief temporary or will it last? W. Boyd If I radically trim my budget I can last for another three weeks.
b. verb trans. & intrans. Of provisions, resources, etc.: remain sufficient for the needs of (a person etc.) throughout a period. ME.
T. F. Powys Mr Mayhae garnered and stowed away enough humility to last any man a lifetime. P. Bowles He finished his cigarette slowly, making it last. J. Rhys I've enough cash to last for two or three months.
c. verb trans. Continue in vigour as long as or longer than (now usu. foll. by out); hold out under or against. ME.
last the pace: see PACE noun1.
verb intrans. Extend in space; reach, stretch. ME-L16.