[limb] n [ME lim, fr. OE; akin to ON limr limb and perh. to OE lith limb] (bef. 12c) 1 a: one of the projecting paired appendages (as wings) of an animal body used esp. for movement and grasping but sometimes modified into sensory or sexual organs b: a leg or arm of a human being
2: a large primary branch of a tree
3: an active member or agent
4: extension, branch
5: a mischievous child -- limb.less adj -- limby adj -- out on a limb : in an exposed or dangerous position with little chance of retreat
[2]limb vt (1674) 1: dismember
2: to cut off the limbs of (a felled tree) [3]limb n [L limbus border] (ca. 1677) 1: the outer edge of the apparent disk of a celestial body
2: the expanded portion of an organ or structure; esp: the spreading upper portion of a gamopetalous corolla as distinguished from the lower tubular portion