At large

prep_phrase

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    having escaped, especially from confinement wordnet
Adverb
  1. 1
    in a general fashion wordnet
Prep_phrase
  1. 1
    On the loose; roaming freely; not confined. idiomatic

    "For a nervous twenty-four hours, three wanted criminals were at large in the city."

  2. 2
    In full, fully. obsolete

    "The like example I find in Lælius à Fonte Eugubinus, consult. 129 […]. Read in him the story at large."

  3. 3
    In general; as a whole.

    "Some people support the measure, but the community at large will probably be against it."

  4. 4
    Having an electorate across multiple districts. US

    "The city has five city council districts; however, the mayor is elected at large."

Etymology

From Middle English at large (“at liberty or freedom”) (compare Middle English ben at large (“to be at one's liberty, be free”)). Compare Old French au large (“at liberty” and other senses).

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