whole-length

American  

[hohl-lengkth, -length, hohl-lengkth, -length] / ˈhoʊlˈlɛŋkθ, -ˈlɛŋθ, ˈhoʊlˌlɛŋkθ, -ˌlɛŋθ /

adjective

1. extended to or having its entire length; not shortened or abridged.

   a whole-length report.

2. portraying, reflecting, or accommodating the full length of the human figure.

   a whole-length sofa; a whole-length portrait of the general.

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noun

1. a portrait or statue showing the full length of its subject.

   The painting gallery had a roomful of whole-lengths.

Etymology

Origin of whole-length

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

It was to be a whole-length in water-colours, like Mr. John Knightley’s, and was destined, if she could please herself, to hold a very honourable station over the mantelpiece.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

To the pillars that support the same arches, are attached whole-length figures, in high relief, of less than the natural size.

From Architectural Antiquities of Normandy by Cotman, John Sell

There he painted portraits with great success; his prices being fifteen guineas for a head, twenty if with one hand, thirty for a half, and sixty for a whole-length portrait.

From The Old Masters and Their Pictures For the Use of Schools and Learners in Art by Tytler, Sarah

At the right and left of the Virgin are St. Peter and St. John, St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Dominic, whole-length figures strongly individualized and differentiated.

From Artists Past and Present Random Studies by Cary, Elisabeth Luther

In 1815 Mr. Smith published a separate whole-length portrait of “Henry Dinsdale, nicknamed Sir Harry Dimsdale, mayor of the mock Borough of Garret, aged 38, anno 1800.”

From The Cries of London Exhibiting Several of the Itinerant Traders of Antient and Modern Times by Smith, John Thomas

Related Words

• entire
• exhaustive
• full
• outright
• thorough