'Great and small' definitions:

Definition of 'Great and small'

From: GCIDE
  • Small \Small\ (sm[add]l), a. [Compar. Smaller (sm[add]l"[~e]r); superl. Smallest.] [OE. small, AS. smael; akin to D. smal narrow, OS. & OHG. smal small, G. schmal narrow, Dan. & Sw. smal, Goth. smals small, Icel. smali small cattle, sheep, or goats; cf. Gr. mh^lon a sheep or goat.]
  • 1. Having little size, compared with other things of the same kind; little in quantity or degree; diminutive; not large or extended in dimension; not great; not much; inconsiderable; as, a small man; a small river. [1913 Webster]
  • To compare Great things with small. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Being of slight consequence; feeble in influence or importance; unimportant; trivial; insignificant; as, a small fault; a small business. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Envincing little worth or ability; not large-minded; -- sometimes, in reproach, paltry; mean. [1913 Webster]
  • A true delineation of the smallest man is capable of interesting the greatest man. --Carlyle. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Not prolonged in duration; not extended in time; short; as, after a small space. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. Weak; slender; fine; gentle; soft; not loud. "A still, small voice." --1 Kings xix. 12. [1913 Webster]
  • Great and small,of all ranks or degrees; -- used especially of persons. "His quests, great and small." --Chaucer.
  • Small arms, muskets, rifles, pistols, etc., in distinction from cannon.
  • Small beer. See under Beer.
  • Small coal. (a) Little coals of wood formerly used to light fires. --Gay. (b) Coal about the size of a hazelnut, separated from the coarser parts by screening.
  • Small craft (Naut.), a vessel, or vessels in general, of a small size.
  • Small fruits. See under Fruit.
  • Small hand, a certain size of paper. See under Paper.
  • Small hours. See under Hour.
  • Small letter. (Print.), a lower-case letter. See Lower-case, and Capital letter, under Capital, a.
  • Small piece, a Scotch coin worth about 21/4d. sterling, or about 41/2cents.
  • Small register. See the Note under 1st Register, 7.
  • Small stuff (Naut.), spun yarn, marline, and the smallest kinds of rope. --R. H. Dana, Jr.
  • Small talk, light or trifling conversation; chitchat.
  • Small wares (Com.), various small textile articles, as tapes, braid, tringe, and the like. --M`Culloch. [1913 Webster]