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.

☞ 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 have 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.

Large, adv. Freely; licentiously. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Large, n. (Mus.) A musical note, formerly in use, equal to two longs, four breves, or eight semibreves.