Large \Large\, a. [Compar. Larger; 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.
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.
2. Abundant; ample; as, a large supply of provisions.
We hare yet large day. --Milton.
3. Full in statement; diffuse; full; profuse.
I might be very large upon the importance and
advantages of education. -- Felton.
4. Having more than usual power or capacity; having broad
sympathies and generous impulses; comprehensive; -- said
of the mind and heart.
5. Free; unembarrassed. [Obs.]
Of burdens all he set the Paynims large. --Fairfax.
6. Unrestrained by decorum; -- said of language. [Obs.]
``Some large jests he will make.'' --Shak.
7. Prodigal in expending; lavish. [Obs.]
--Chaucer.
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.
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, go, run, or 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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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