01 a. Exceeding most other things of like kind in bulk, capacity, quantity, superficial dimensions, or number of constituent units; big; great; c…
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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.
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2.
Abundant; ample; as, a large supply of provisions.“We have yet large day.” — Milton.
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3.
Full in statement; diffuse; full; profuse.“I might be very large upon the importance and advantages of education.” — Felton.
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4.
Having more than usual power or capacity; having broad sympathies and generous impulses; comprehensive; -- said of the mind and heart.
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5.
Free; unembarrassed.[Obs.]“Of burdens all he set the Paynims large.” — Fairfax.
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6.
Unrestrained by decorum; -- said of language.[Obs.]
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7.
Prodigal in expending; lavish.[Obs.]
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8.
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.(Naut.)
Phrases & compounds
At large —
Without restraint or confinement; as, to go at large; to be left at large.
Electors 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.
To give large —
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.