Lees @ (Heb. shemarim), from a word meaning to keep or preserve. It was applied to "lees" from the custom of allowing wine to stand on the lees that it might thereby be better preserved Isaiah:25:6). "Men settled on their lees" Zephaniah:1:12) are men "hardened or crusted." The image is derived from the crust formed at the bottom of wines long left undisturbed Jeremiah:48:11). The effect of wealthy undisturbed ease on the ungodly is hardening. They become stupidly secure (comp. Psalms:55:19; Amos:6:1). To drink the lees Psalms:75:8) denotes severe suffering.
