at large

Definition

On the loose; roaming freely; not confined.

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).

Example Sentences

• "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."
• "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."