from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Large \Large\ (l[aum]rj), a. [Compar. {Larger} (l[aum]r"j[~e]r);
superl. {Largest}.] [F., fr. L. largus. Cf. {Largo}.]
1. Exceeding most other things of like kind in bulk,
capacity, quantity, superficial dimensions, or number of
constituent units; big; great; capacious; extensive; --
opposed to {small}; as, a large horse; a large house or
room; a large lake or pool; a large jug or spoon; a large
vineyard; a large army; a large city.
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Note: For linear dimensions, and mere extent, great, and not
large, is used as a qualifying word; as, great length,
breadth, depth; a great distance; a great height.
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2. Abundant; ample; as, a large supply of provisions.
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We have yet large day. --Milton.
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3. Full in statement; diffuse; full; profuse.
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I might be very large upon the importance and
advantages of education. --Felton.
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4. Having more than usual power or capacity; having broad
sympathies and generous impulses; comprehensive; -- said
of the mind and heart.
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5. Free; unembarrassed. [Obs.]
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Of burdens all he set the Paynims large. --Fairfax.
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6. Unrestrained by decorum; -- said of language. [Obs.] "Some
large jests he will make." --Shak.
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7. Prodigal in expending; lavish. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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8. (Naut.) Crossing the line of a ship's course in a
favorable direction; -- said of the wind when it is abeam,
or between the beam and the quarter.
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{At large}.
(a) Without restraint or confinement; as, to go at large;
to be left at large.
(b) Diffusely; fully; in the full extent; as, to discourse
on a subject at large.
{Common at large}. See under {Common}, n.
{Electors at large}, {Representative at large}, electors, or
a representative, as in Congress, chosen to represent the
whole of a State, in distinction from those chosen to
represent particular districts in a State. [U. S.]
{To give large}, {To go large}, {To run large}, or {To sail
large} (Naut.), to have the wind crossing the direction of a
vessel's course in such a way that the sails feel its full
force, and the vessel gains its highest speed. See
{Large}, a., 8.
Syn: Big; bulky; huge; capacious; comprehensive; ample;
abundant; plentiful; populous; copious; diffusive;
liberal.
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