Small1, a.
(småwl), a. [compar. SMALLER; superl. SMALLEST.] [A-S. smāl, smal, smeal, O. Sax., L. Ger., D., Dan., Sw., & O. H. Ger. smal, Goth. smals, Icel. smár, H. Ger. schmal, allied to Slav. mal?]
Sense 1. Not large or extended in dimensions; little in quantity or degree; minute in bulk; diminutive; not great; not much. “To compare great things with small.” Milton.
O most small fault, how ugly! Shak.
Sense 2. Being of slight consequence; feeble in influence or importance; unimportant; trivial; insignificant.
Small is the subject, but not so the praise. Pope.
Sense 3. Evincing little worth or ability; not large-minded;—sometimes, in reproach, paltry; mean.
A true delineation of the smallest man is capable of interesting the greatest man. Carlyle.
Sense 4. Not prolonged in duration; not extended in time; short; as, a small essay.
Sense 5. Weak; slender; fine; gentle; not loud;—said of a voice.
Sense 6. Not of great strength; weak; as, small beer.
Small beer, a kind of weak beer.—Small craft, a vessel, or vessels in general, of a small size, or below the size of ships and brigs intended for foreign trade.—Small stuff (Naut.), spun-yarn, marline, and the smallest kinds of rope. Dana.—Small talk, light or trifling conversation; chit-chat.—Small wares (Com.), various small, textile articles, as tapes, braid, sash-cord, fringe, and the like. McCulloch.