Large (?), a. [Compar. Larger (?); superl. Largest.] [F., fr. L. largus. Cf. Largo.]
1.
Exceeding most other things of like in bulk, capacity, quantity, superficial dimensions, or number of constituent units; big; great; capacious; extensive; -- opposed to small; as, a nlarge 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 hare 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, ∨ 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.
© Webster 1913.
Large, adv.
Freely; licentiously.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
© Webster 1913.
Large, n. Mus.
A musical note, formerly in use, equal to two longs, four breves, or eight semibreves.
© Webster 1913.