Large, a. [Compar. Larger; superl. Largest.]
Etymology: [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.
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.
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.
7 more senses
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.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Large, adv.
Freely; licentiously. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Large, n. (Mus.)
A musical note, formerly in use, equal to two longs, four breves, or eight semibreves.
Shades of meaning
Large denotes extension in more than one direction, and beyond the average of the class to which the object belongs; we speak of a large surface or a large solid, but of a long line; a large field, a large room, a large apple, etc. A large man is a man of more than ordinary size; a great man is a man of remarkable mental power. Big is a more emphatic word than large, but of less dignity. We do not say that George Washington was a big man.