At large

Large Large (l[aum]rj), a. [Compar. {Larger} (l[aum]r"j[~e]r); 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. [1913 Webster]

Note: 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. [1913 Webster]

2. Abundant; ample; as, a large supply of provisions. [1913 Webster]

We have yet large day. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

3. Full in statement; diffuse; full; profuse. [1913 Webster]

I might be very large upon the importance and advantages of education. --Felton. [1913 Webster]

4. Having more than usual power or capacity; having broad sympathies and generous impulses; comprehensive; -- said of the mind and heart. [1913 Webster]

5. Free; unembarrassed. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Of burdens all he set the Paynims large. --Fairfax. [1913 Webster]

6. Unrestrained by decorum; -- said of language. [Obs.] ``Some large jests he will make.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

7. Prodigal in expending; lavish. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

{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 large}, {To go large}, {To run large}, or {To 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. [1913 Webster]