from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Latitude \Lat"i*tude\, n. [F. latitude, L. latitudo, fr. latus
broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. akin to E. strew.]
1. Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a
given point or line; breadth; width.
[1913 Webster]
Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above
one third part. --Sir H.
Wotton.
[1913 Webster]
2. Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence,
looseness; laxity; independence.
[1913 Webster]
In human actions there are no degrees and precise
natural limits described, but a latitude is
indulged. --Jer. Taylor.
[1913 Webster]
3. Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.;
extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc.
[1913 Webster]
No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles,
in the latitude of monkish relations. --Fuller.
[1913 Webster]
4. Extent; size; amplitude; scope.
[1913 Webster]
I pretend not to treat of them in their full
latitude. --Locke.
[1913 Webster]
5. (Geog.) Distance north or south of the equator, measured
on a meridian.
[1913 Webster]
6. (Astron.) The angular distance of a heavenly body from the
ecliptic.
[1913 Webster]
{Ascending latitude}, {Circle of latitude}, {Geographical
latitude}, etc. See under {Ascending}. {Circle}, etc.
{High latitude}, that part of the earth's surface near either
pole, esp. that part within either the arctic or the
antarctic circle.
{Low latitude}, that part of the earth's surface which is
near the equator.
[1913 Webster]