Large , n. (Mus.) A musical note, formerly in use, equal to
two longs, four breves, or eight semibreves.
Large , adv. Freely; licentiously. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
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.
&fist; 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.
Hear it pronounced