(obsolete, nautical) To fill the hollow in the bottom of a sounding lead with tallow in order to discover the nature of the bottom by the substances adhering.

(idiomatic) The amount of time between the initiation of some process and its completion, e.g. the time required to manufacture or procure a product; the time required before something can be provided or delivered.

(now historical) The metal lead. / Graphite, especially as used in pencils. / (countable) A graphite pencil.

(idiomatic) To become the leader, to advance into first place. / (idiomatic) To assume leadership over a group.

plural of leading light

(idiomatic) An acclaimed expert, one of the foremost experts, a luminary. / (nautical, navigation) A light that helps to guide vessels into a port.

(inorganic chemistry) The oxide of lead, PbO, that occurs as the minerals litharge and massicot

Alternative spelling of lead sulfate

(inorganic chemistry) The unstable tetrahydride of lead, PbH₄, plumbane

(inorganic chemistry) The insoluble lead salt or sulfuric acid, PbSO₄, that forms in lead-acid batteries