adv., prop. phr. Obs. [A prep.1 in + GREAT a. Cf. Fr. en gros. The expanded forms of great, in great, often occur.] In gross, in the gross, en masse; by the whole piece, lump or lot.
1502. Arnold, Chron. (1811), 72. A dwelling hous is hired of gret and aftir leten … to sondry folkis … the hirer in gret … shall offir to God … for the rent of all.
1580. Baret, Alvearie, A 234. Agreat or altogither, Vniuerse. To take a worke agreat or vpon a price.
1632. Bp. M. Smith, Serm., 9. Certaine young men … beholding fishermen making of a draught, agreed with them a-great for their draft.
1692. Coles, Agrat, by the great or lump.
1775. Ash, Agreat, by the great, by the job.
