What is "by little and little"

Little \Lit"tle\, n.

1. That which is little; a small quantity, amount, space, or the like.

   Much was in little writ.
   --Dryden.

   There are many expressions, which carrying with them no clear ideas, are like to remove but little of my ignorance.
   --Locke.

2. A small degree or scale; miniature. `` His picture in little.''
   --Shak.

   A little, to or in a small degree; to a limited extent; somewhat; for a short time. `` Stay a little.''
   --Shak.

   The painter flattered her a little.
   --Shak.

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

adv. (context dated English) A small amount at a time; little by little.