of more than average size, quantity, degree, etc.; exceeding that which is common to a kind or class; big; great: a large house; a large number; in large measure; to a large extent.
on a great scale: a large producer of kitchen equipment.
of great scope or range; extensive; broad.
grand or pompous: a man given to large, bombastic talk.
(of a map, model, etc.) representing the features of the original with features of its own that are relatively large so that great detail may be shown.
famous; successful; important: He's very large in financial circles.
Obsolete. generous; bountiful; lavish.
Obsolete.
unrestrained in the use of language; gross; improper.
c.1200, "bountiful, inclined to give or spend freely," also, of areas, "great in expanse," from Old French large "broad, wide; generous, bounteous," from Latin largus "abundant, copious, plentiful; bountiful, liberal in giving," of unknown origin. Main modern meanings "extensive; big in overall size" emerged 14c. An older sense of "liberated, free from restraining influence" is preserved in at large (late 14c.). Adjective phrase larger-than-life first attested 1937 (bigger than life is from 1640s).
