Wholesale \Whole"sale`\, n. Sale of goods by the piece or large quantity, as distinguished from retail.

By wholesale, in the mass; in large quantities; without distinction or discrimination.

Some, from vanity or envy, despise a valuable book, and throw contempt upon it by wholesale. --I. Watts.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Wholesale \Whole"sale`\, a.

1. Pertaining to, or engaged in, trade by the piece or large quantity; selling to retailers or jobbers rather than to consumers; as, a wholesale merchant; the wholesale price.

2. Extensive and indiscriminate; as, wholesale slaughter. ``A time for wholesale trust.'' --Mrs. Humphry Ward.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)