Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Late?

\Late\, a. [Compar. {Later}, or {latter}; superl. {Latest}.] [OE. lat slow, slack, AS. l[ae]t; akin to OS. lat, D. laat late, G. lass weary, lazy, slack, Icel. latr, Sw. lat, Dan. lad, Goth. lats, and to E. let, v. See {Let} to permit, and cf. {Alas}, {Lassitude}.] 1. Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring. 2. Far advanced toward the end or close; as, a late hour of the day; a late period of life. 3. Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; lately deceased, departed, or gone out of office; as, the late bishop of London; the late administration. 4. Not long past; happening not long ago; recent; as, the late rains; we have received late intelligence. 5. Continuing or doing until an advanced hour of the night; as, late revels; a late watcher.
\Late\, adv. [AS. late. See {Late}, a.] 1. After the usual or proper time, or the time appointed; after delay; as, he arrived late; -- opposed to {early}. 2. Not long ago; lately. 3. Far in the night, day, week, or other particular period; as, to lie abed late; to sit up late at night. {Of late}, in time not long past, or near the present; lately; as, the practice is of late uncommon. {Too late}, after the proper or available time; when the time or opportunity is past.