To a lesser or smaller extent; in a lower degree; to an inferior extent, amount, etc. Modifying a verb, an adjective, an adverb, or the whole…

With verbs of liking and pleasing: to a lesser degree, less. In early use also with verbs of trusting, praising, etc. Now rare.

To a lesser or smaller extent; in a lower degree; to an inferior extent, amount, etc.; = less, adv. 1. Now rare.

With verbs of liking, pleasing, and valuing: to a lesser degree, less well; = worse, adv. 3a. Obsolete.