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small

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. To compare Great things with small. (milton)

2. Being of slight consequence; feeble in influence or importance; unimportant; trivial; insignificant; as, a small fault; a small business.

3. Envincing little worth or ability; not large-minded; sometimes, in reproach, paltry; mean. A true delineation of the smallest man is capable of interesting the reatest man. (Carlyle)

4. Not prolonged in duration; not extended in time; short; as, after a small space.

5. Weak; slender; fine; gentle; soft; not loud. A still, small voice. Great and small,of all ranks or degrees; used especially of persons. His quests, great and small. . Small arms, muskets, rifles, pistols, etc, in distinction from cannon. Small beer. See Beer. Small coal. Little coals of wood formerly used to light fires. Coal about the size of a hazelnut, separated from the coarser parts by screening. Small craft, various small textile articles, as tapes, braid, tringe, and the like.

Origin: OE. Small, AS. Sm$l; akin to D. Smal narrow, OS. & OHG. Smal small, G. Schmal narrow, Dan. & Sw. Smal, Goth. Smals small, Icel. Smali smal cattle, sheep, or goats; cf. Gr. A sheep or goat.