just a little; the smallest amount; not at all (with negative)
Archaic adverb meaning 'even a tiny bit' or 'the slightest amount'. Often used in negative constructions to mean 'not at all'. Found in classical literature and poetry; not used in modern everyday speech.
I trusted him without the slightest doubt.
There is not a grain of truth in those words.
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling for this archaic adverb.
Full kanji spelling; very rare and mostly historical.
From 露 (つゆ, 'dew') + ばかり ('approximately, only'), literally 'even as much as a dewdrop'. The metaphorical extension to 'a tiny amount' is natural, but the exact historical development is uncertain.