Length , v. t. To lengthen. [Obs.]
Shak.
Length (l&ebreve;ngth), n. [OE. lengthe, AS.
lengð, fr. lang, long, long; akin to D.
lengte, Dan. længde, Sw. längd, Icel. lengd. See Long, a. ]
1. The longest, or longer, dimension of any object, in distinction from breadth or width; extent of anything from end to end; the longest line which can be drawn
through a body, parallel to its sides; as,
the length of a church, or of a ship; the length of a
rope or line.
2. A portion of
space or of
time considered as measured by its length; -- often in the
plural.
Large lengths of seas and shores.
Shak.
The future but a length behind the past.
Dryden. 3. The quality or state of being long, in space or time; extent; duration; as, some sea birds are remarkable for the length of their wings; he was tired by
the length of the sermon, and the length of his walk.
4. A single piece or subdivision of a series, or of a number of long pieces which may be
connected together; as, a length of pipe; a length of fence.
5. Detail or amplification; unfolding; continuance as, to pursue a subject to a
great length.
May Heaven, great monarch, still augment your bliss
With length of days, and every day like this.
Dryden. 6. Distance.[Obs.]
He had marched to
the length of Exeter.
Clarendon. At length. (a)
At or in the full extent; without abbreviation; as, let the name
be inserted at length. (b) At the end or conclusion; after a long period. See Syn. of At
last, under Last. -- At arm's length. See under Arm.
Hear it pronounced