Length — Defs

01 n. The longest, or longer, dimension of any object, in distinction from breadth or width; extent of anything from end to end; the longest line…

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.

Phrases & compounds

At length — At or in the full extent; without abbreviation; as, let the name be inserted at length.

At arm's length — See under Arm.

02 v. t. To lengthen.