[mod.L., a. Gr. ἔκτασις, f. ἐκτείνειν, f. ἐκ out + τείνειν to stretch.]
1. (See quot.)
1706. Phillips, Ectasis, Extension or Stretching out. In Grammar a Figure whereby a short Syllable is extended or made long.
1715. in Kersey.
1721–1800. in Bailey; and in mod. Dicts.
2. Pathol. Any morbid condition characterized by a state of dilatation. (Syd. Soc. Lex.)
