v. Also 4 enlargen, 7 enlardge, 6–8 inlarge. [a. OF. enlarge-r, enlargir, f. en- (see EN-1) + large (see LARGE). Some of the mod.Eng. uses are influenced by those of Fr. élargir, OF. eslargir, alarger (see ALARGE).]
I. To make larger.
1. trans. To render more spacious or extensive; to extend the limits of (a territory, enclosure, etc.); to widen (boundaries).
In later use this merges in the more generalized sense 2; the fig. applications in 3 however remain distinct.
c. 1400. Maundev., v. 45. Thei may not enlargen it [Egypt] toward the desert, for defaute of watre.
c. 1420. Pallad. on Husb., I. 316. The fundament enlarge it half a foote Outwith the wough.
1535. Coverdale, Jer. xxxi. 38. The cite of ye Lorde shalbe enlarged from the towre of Hananeel, vnto ye gate of the corner wall.
a. 1687. Petty, Pol. Arith. (1690), 72. Any Prince willing to inlarge his Territories, will give [etc.].
1748. Hartley, Observ. Man, I. ii. § 1. 123. Grinding inlarges the sphere of their attractions.
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., II. xv. 164. He will rear himself upon his hind-legs to enlarge his circle of vision.
2. To increase the size of (a material object); to add to, augment (a literary work, a person’s wealth, the number or amount of anything). Formerly also (cf. uses of large) with reference to intensive magnitude: to increase (a person’s renown, the force of anything, etc.). Sometimes with out (obs. rare). Also, to increase in apparent size, magnify. Also absol.
c. 1380. Antecrist, in Todd, 3 Treat. Wyclif, 120. Þe deuyl shal enlarge his taile more wickudly in þe eende of þe worlde.
1576. Fleming, Panoplie Ep., 117. That the dignitie of Plancus might be augmented, & his honour inlarged.
1591. Spenser, M. Hubberd, 745. T’enlarge his breath, (large breath in armes most needfull).
1594. Carew, Huarte’s Exam. Wits (1616), 280. By means whereof, it extendeth and enlargeth out the naturall heat.
1614. Raleigh, Hist. World, II. IV. vii. § 1. 246. He … enlarged the Centurions of Horsemen.
1628. Hobbes, Thucyd., 61. The Athenians … much enlarged their own particular wealth.
1683. Salmon, Doron Med., I. 155. It inlarges its Narcotick Force.
a. 1687. Petty, Pol. Arith., x. (1690), 116. Selling of Lands to Foreigners for Gold and Silver, would inlarge the Stock of the Kingdom.
1703. Rowe, Fair Penit., I. i. 202. Enthusiastick Passion … Enlarg’d her Voice.
1732. Pope, Ep. Cobham, I. 35. Fancy’s beam enlarges, multiplies, Contracts.
1743. Young, Nt. Th., IV. 20/462. O how is Man enlarg’d Seen thro’ this Medium?
1774. Monboddo, Language (ed. 2), I. Pref. 10. In this second edition, so much inlarged.
1810. Scott, Lady of L., I. xxxiv. Slowly enlarged to giant size.
1845. Budd, Dis. Liver, 126. The spleen is found enormously enlarged.
1866. Walcott, Cathedr. Reform., in Ch. & World, 82. At the very time when the numbers and learning of parish clergy were rapidly being enlarged.
1883. Manch. Exam., 24 Oct., 5/1. Their salaries will be enlarged out of the episcopal and capitular incomes.
† b. To magnify, exaggerate in statement. Also, to set forth at length. Obs.
1586. A. Day, Eng. Secretary (1625), Ep. Ded. A ij b. To … enlarge my paines taken in publishing the other.
1646. H. Lawrence, Comm. Angels, 23. I shall not enlarge this now particularly.
1703. Maundrell, Journ. Jerus., 15. The Asiatick way of enlarging.
1728. Morgan, Algiers, I. iii. 52. Report generally inlarges Matters.
† c. intr. To enlarge on: to make an addition to (a plan); to amplify (a hint). Obs. (Cf. 5 b.)
1711. Addison, Spect., No. 58, ¶ 13. It is so very easy to enlarge upon a good Hint.
1790. Paley, Horæ Paul., i. 8. I have so far enlarged upon this plan, as to take into it [etc.].
1800. Med. Jrnl., IV. 233. Those gentlemen … will … enlarge on the plan I have hinted thus lightly.
3. Figurative applications of 1.
a. To extend the range or scope of. † Also, to spread, promote the diffusion of (a belief) (obs.).
1553. Eden, Treat. Newe Ind., Title (Arb.), 3. God is glorified and the Christian fayth enlarged.
1594. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., I. iii. We somewhat more enlarging the sence thereof.
1656. H. Phillips, Purch. Patt. (1676), 139. To enlarge this Table, that so it may shew not only … half inches, but the quarters, or tenth parts of Inches.
1668. H. Oldenburg, in Phil. Trans., II. 3. The endeavours of the Authour for the improving and enlarging his Philosophical Commerce.
1742. Richardson, Pamela, IV. 102. Till I have catch’d her a little inlarging her innocent Freedoms, as she calls them.
1782. Priestley, Corr. of Christianity, II. x. 244. Justinian greatly enlarged this kind of authority.
1884. Earl Selborne, in Law Times Rep. New Ser. L. 3. He cannot … enlarge in his own favour the legal … operation of the instrument.
b. To widen, render more comprehensive (a person’s thoughts, sympathies, affections); to expand, increase the capacity of (the mind).
1665. Glanvill, Sceps. Sci., 74. Science indeed inlargeth: But there’s a Knowledge that only puffeth up.
a. 1704. T. Brown, Dk. Ormond’s Recov., Wks. 1730, I. 51. His mind enlarg’d, and boundless as the sky.
1736. Butler, Anal., I. i. 29. Persons Notion of what is natural, will be enlarged in Proportion to their grater Knowledge of the Works of God, and the Dispensations of his Providence.
1850. McCosh, Div. Govt., II. i. (1874), 152. Geologists would enlarge our conceptions of Time.
1868. Freeman, Norm. Conq. (1876), II. vii. 41. His own mind was enlarged and enriched by foreign travel.
c. To enlarge the heart: to ‘expand,’ ‘swell’ the heart with gratitude or affection (in this sense sometimes with personal obj., after 2 Cor. vi. 13); now usually, to increase the capacity of the heart for affection, widen the range of the affections.
1611. Bible, 2 Cor. vi. 11. O yee Corinthians, our mouth is open vnto you, our heart is enlarged. Ibid., 13. Be ye also inlarged.
1638. Rouse, Heav. Univ., V. x. (1702), 151. Be thou enlarged in thy return of Thanks and Glory to Him.
1667. Milton, P. L., VIII. 590. Love refines The thoughts, and heart enlarges.
1741. Richardson, Pamela, II. 156. My Heart is … more inlarg’d with his Goodness and Condescension.
1848. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., I. 162. All hearts not utterly destitute of kindness were enlarged and softened.
1852. Robertson, Lect. (1858), ii. 177. Enlarge your tastes, that you may enlarge your hearts as well as your pleasures.
d. To enlarge the hand: to open the hand wide, be liberal. Obs. or arch. Cf. large-handed.
1651. Life Father Sarpi (1676), p. lxiii. It was thought necessary for him to enlarge his hand to those that managed Bread and Wine.
† e. To extend (the time allowed for an action); to grant or obtain an extension of time for (a lease, bankruptcy, etc.). Obs.
1656. H. Phillips, Purch. Patt. (1676), B vij b. Leases … lately inlarged to 60 years.
1677. Marvell, Corr., cccv. Wks. 1872–5, II. 518. We shall perceive whether his Majesty thinke fit to … inlarge the adjournment.
1725. Lond. Gaz., No. 6435/3. The … Time was … enlarged for Joseph Lacy … for surrendring himself.
1812. Examiner, 23 Aug., 537/1. Bankruptcy Enlarged. J. Chatterton,… flour-merchant, from June, 27 to September 9.
1863. H. Cox, Instit., I. vi. 36. An Act … for enlarging the time of continuance of Parliaments.
f. Law. To enlarge an estate: said of the effect of a release which, e.g., converts a life-interest, or a tenancy for a term of years, into a fee-simple or fee-tail. (The sense may perh. belong to branch II.)
1574. trans. Littleton’s Tenures, 97 b. Releases … sometime have theire effecte by force to enlarge the estate [AF. enlarger lestate] of them, to whome the release is made.
1597. Daniel, Civ. Wares, VIII. lix. To confer First, how he might have her estate inlarg’d.
1818. Cruise, Digest, VI. 321. If Popham … should not enlarge his estate to an estate tail.
4. refl. (in senses 1–3.) To increase or widen in extent, bulk or scope.
1413. Lydg., Pilgr. Sowle, IV. xxx. (1483), 77. Gold wylle well enduren under the hamoure enlargyng hymself withouten crasure.
1591. Shaks., 1 Hen. VI., I. ii. 134. Glory is like a Circle in the Water, Which neuer ceaseth to enlarge it selfe.
1823. Lamb, Elia, Ser. II. (1865). Enlarging themselves, if I may say so, upon familiarity.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), III. 28. Our ideas will have to enlarge themselves.
b. intr. for refl.
1481. Caxton, Myrr., III. i. 132. Yf therthe were gretter than the sone, thenne the shadowe of þe sone shold goo enlargyng.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Chirurg. Fro whiche cometh a corde that thre fyngre brede fro the elbow enlargeth and compriseth all the elbow.
1756–82. J. Warton, Ess. Pope (1782), I. vii. 406. The figure of Fame enlarging and growing every moment.
1776. Withering, Bot. Arrangem. (1796), IV. 265. The hollow very fine, but soon enlarging by the shrinking of the spongy flesh.
1845. Budd, Dis. Liver, 352. His belly began to enlarge.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), IV. 281. As our knowledge increases, our perception of the mind enlarges also.
1879. Carpenter, Ment. Phys., I. ii. § 61. 62. A sort of core … which enlarges in the parts of the Cord that give off the nerve-trunks.
† c. Of the wind, thunder: To increase in force. Obs.
1628. Digby, Voy. Medit. (1868), 15. If the wind had not suddainely enlarged.
1762–9. Falconer, Shipwr., III. 436. Loud, and more loud, the rolling peals enlarge.
† 5. refl. To expand (oneself) in words, give free vent to one’s thoughts in speech. Also, in similar sense, To enlarge one’s heart. Obs.
1614. Raleigh, Hist. World, II. V. iii. § 15. 441. It will appeare more commendable in wise men, to enlarge themselues, and to publish [etc.].
1651. Fuller, Abel Rediv., Bradford, 188. He inlarged himselfe in a most sweet meditation, of the Wedding Garment.
1660. Trial Regic., 154. I found he began to inlarge his heart to me.
1678. Cudworth, Intell. Syst., I. i. § 39. 48. The Platonists frequently take occasion from hence to enlarge themselves much in the disparagement of Corporeal things.
b. intr. for refl. To speak at large, expatiate. Const. on, upon; formerly also simply.
1659. Hammond, On Ps., 3. I shall not here inlarge to insert.
1664. Butler, Hud., II. II. 68. I shall enlarge upon the Point.
1771. Junius Lett., xlvi. 326. Mr. Horne enlarges, with rapture, upon the importance of his services.
1817. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, II. V. v. 500. He was somewhat disposed to enlarge in praise of himself.
1830. Lyell, Princ. Geol., I. 323. Respecting Southern Italy, Sicily, and the Lipari Isles, we need not enlarge here.
1833. Ht. Martineau, Vanderput & S., vi. 99. He enlarged once more on the avarice and cowardice of the banks.
II. 6. To set at large; to release from confinement or bondage. Somewhat arch. Cf. Fr. élargir.
1494. Fabyan, VI. cxlix. 136. In this passe tyme, Gryffon, the yonger brother, was enlargyd frome pryson.
1560. Daus, trans. Sleidane’s Comm., 453. The captiue Cardinalles at the length putting in suerties are inlarged.
1580. Sidney, Arcadia (1622), 329. Like a Lionesse lately enlarged.
1605. Camden, Rem., 22. K. Edward the third enlarged then first from that bondage.
1616. J. Lane, Sqr.’s Tale, IX. 277. Algarsifes soldiers … demaundes theire General enlardgd.
1761–2. Hume, Hist. Eng. (1806), V. lxvii. 108. No man, after being enlarged by order of court, can be recommitted for the same offence.
1878. Simpson, Sch. Shaks., I. 39. He was enlarged upon sureties.
b. spec. in Hunting.
1880. Daily Tel., 20 Oct., 3/1. We are close to the spot where the stag is to be enlarged.
c. transf. and fig.
1593. B. Barnes, in Farr, S. P. Eliz. (1845), I. 43. Deare Davids Sonne [who should from hell] … poore sinners both inlarge and save.
1797. Sir W. Slingsby, in Slingsby, Diary (1836), 252. If we [wind-bound sailors] be not inlarged within these 20 dayes.
1639. Fuller, Holy War, III. viii. (1840), 130. King Richard would not enlarge him from the strictness of what was concluded.
1725. Pope, Odyss., IV. 796. The friendly Gods a springing gale inlarg’d.
1796. Morse, Amer. Geog., I. 683. A round ball … in the heat of summer, opens and enlarges a number of male insects.
† III. 7. To bestow liberally; to endow with bountiful gifts. [So OF. enlargir; cf. L. largīrī.]
1491. Caxton, Vitas Patr. (W. de W., 1495), I. xliv. 73 b/1. He enlarged to the poore grete quantite of his goodes temporall.
1513. Bradshaw, St. Werburge, I. 1669. Clothes of Dyaper, Rychely enlarged with syluer and with golde.
1607. H. Arthington, Goodl. God, in Farr, S. P. Jas. I. (1848), 263. How much are we, Lord, bound to thee, For all thy favours every way, Inlarged so aboundantly.
1657. S. Purchas, Pol. Flying-Ins., I. i. 2. The great Artifex of Nature hath enlarged the smaller creatures with wisdome, and invention.
IV. 8. To enlarge a horse (see quot.) [after OF. élargir].
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., Enlarge, in the manege, is used for making a horse go large, that is, making him embrace more ground than he before covered.
Hence Enlarge sb., the action of setting free. Enlargeable a., capable of being enlarged. Enlargeableness, the quality of being enlargeable.
1608. T. Middleton, Fam. of Love (1885), I. ii. 127. My absence may procure thy more enlarge.
1653. Shirley, Crt. Secret, II. iii. I may entreat her grace’s mediation To the King for his enlarge.
1881. F. T. Palgrave, Visions of Eng., Pref. p. xi. The more large or enlargeable are their technical powers.
1878. Lockyer, Stargazing, 457. If the negative is well defined—that is, if it possesses the quality of enlargeableness.
