n. [ F. latitude, L. latitudo, fr. latus broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. akin to E. strew. ] 1. Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a given point or line; breadth; width. [ 1913 Webster ] Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above one third part. Sir H. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence, looseness; laxity; independence. [ 1913 Webster ] In human actions there are no degrees and precise natural limits described, but a latitude is indulged. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.; extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc. [ 1913 Webster ] No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles, in the latitude of monkish relations. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Extent; size; amplitude; scope. [ 1913 Webster ] I pretend not to treat of them in their full latitude. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. (Geog.) Distance north or south of the equator, measured on a meridian. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Astron.) The angular distance of a heavenly body from the ecliptic. [ 1913 Webster ]
Ascending latitude,
Circle of latitude,
Geographical latitude, etc. See under Ascending. Circle, etc. --
High latitude, that part of the earth's surface near either pole, esp. that part within either the arctic or the antarctic circle. --
Low latitude, that part of the earth's surface which is near the equator. [ 1913 Webster ]
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