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