by little and little

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Little \Lit"tle\, n.
   1. That which is little; a small quantity, amount, space, or
      the like.
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            Much was in little writ.              --Dryden.
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            There are many expressions, which carrying with them
            no clear ideas, are like to remove but little of my
            ignorance.                            --Locke.
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   2. A small degree or scale; miniature. " His picture in
      little." --Shak.
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            A little, to or in a small degree; to a limited
            extent; somewhat; for a short time. " Stay a
            little." --Shak.
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            The painter flattered her a little.   --Shak.
      

   {By little and little}, or {Little by little}, by slow
      degrees; piecemeal; gradually.
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