at large
prep_phraseEtymology 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).
1
Idiomatic On the loose; roaming freely; not confined.
- For a nervous twenty-four hours, three wanted criminals were at large in the city.
- The ambassador-at-large was designated to the Middle East as a region, rather than to a specific country.
2 more examples
- The lady rode hastily away, and electrified her relatives at dinner by telling them of her escape from a family of dangerous lunatics. "The little girl's eyes were simply those of a maniac. I can't think how she came to be at large," she said.1902, E. Nesbit, Five Children and It:
- Officials say the unknown male suspect is still at large and request anyone with information regarding the case to contact Crimeline at (800) 423-8477.2024 December 27, Leah Sarnoff, “Pregnant woman stabbed 14 times by pizza delivery driver over $2 tip: Police”, in abcnews.go.com:
2
Obsolete In full, fully.
- The like example I find in Lælius à Fonte Eugubinus, consult. 129 […]. Read in him the story at large., vol.I, New York 2001, p.236
3
In general; as a whole.
- Some people support the measure, but the community at large will probably be against it.
4
Government, Politics US Having an electorate across multiple districts.
Of an election or elected position
- The city has five city council districts; however, the mayor is elected at large.
- Although the elections for Boston City Council seats are still seven months away, the race between at-large candidates is beginning to heat up.1991 May 4, Elizabeth Yukins, “City Council Candidates Lobby For The Gay Vote”, in Gay Community News, page 3:
- Derived terms
- ambassador-at-large, county at large, editor-at-large, prisoner at large, statutes at large