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.
Late (lāt), a.
[Compar. Later (lāt"ẽr), or
latter (lăt"tẽr); superl.
Latest (lāt"ĕst) or Last (lȧst).]
[OE. lat slow, slack, AS. læt; 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.