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Length

1. The longest, or longer, dimension of any object, in distinction from breadth or width; extent of anything from end to end; the longest line which can be drawn through a body, parallel to its sides; as, the length of a church, or of a ship; the length of a rope or line.

2. A portion of space or of time considered as measured by its length; often in the plural. Large lengths of seas and shores. (Shak) The future but a length behind the past. (Dryden)

3. The quality or state of being long, in space or time; extent; duration; as, some sea birds are remarkable for the length of their wings; he was tired by the length of the sermon, and the length of his walk.

4. A single piece or subdivision of a series, or of a number of long pieces which may be connected together; as, a length of pipe; a length of fence.

5. Detail or amplification; unfolding; continuance as, to pursue a subject to a great length. May heaven, great monarch, still augment your bliss. With length of days and every day like this. (Dryden)

6. Distance. He had marched to the length of Exeter. (Clarendon) at length. At or in the full extent; without abbreviation; as, let the name be inserted at length. At the end or conclusion; after a long period. See Syn. Of At last, under last. At arms length. See arm.

Origin: oe. Lengthe, as. Leng, fr. Land, long, long; akin to D. Lengte, dan. Laengde, Sw. Langd, Icel. Lengd. See long.