Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Monstrous
Mon′strous (mŏn′strŭs), a. [OE. monstruous, F. monstrueux, fr. L. monstruosus, fr. monstrum. See Monster.] 1. Marvelous; strange. [Obs.]
2. Having the qualities of a monster; deviating greatly from the natural form or character; abnormal; as, a monstrous birth. Locke.
He, therefore, that refuses to do good to them whom he is bound to love . . . is unnatural and monstrous in his affections. Jer. Taylor.
3. Extraordinary in a way to excite wonder, dislike, apprehension, etc.; — said of size, appearance, color, sound, etc.; as, a monstrous height; a monstrous ox; a monstrous story.
4. Extraordinary on account of ugliness, viciousness, or wickedness; hateful; horrible; dreadful.
So bad a death argues a monstrous life. Shak.
5. Abounding in monsters. [R.]
Where thou, perhaps, under the whelming tide Visitest the bottom of the monstrous world. Milton.
Mon′strous, adv. Exceedingly; very; very much. "A monstrous thick oil on the top." Bacon.
And will be monstrous witty on the poor. Dryden.