n. 1 measurement or extent from end to end; the greater of two or the greatest of three dimensions of a body. 2 extent in, of, or with regard to, time (a stay of some length; the length of a speech). 3 the distance a thing extends (at arm's length; ships a cable's length apart). 4 the length of a horse, boat, etc., as a measure of the lead in a race. 5 a long stretch or extent (a length of hair). 6 a degree of thoroughness in action (went to great lengths; prepared to go to any length). 7 a piece of material of a certain length (a length of cloth). 8 Prosody the quantity of a vowel or syllable. 9 Cricket a the distance from the batsman at which the ball pitches (the bowler keeps a good length). b the proper amount of this. 10 the extent of a garment in a vertical direction when worn. 11 the full extent of one's body. at length 1 (also at full or great etc. length) in detail, without curtailment. 2 after a long time, at last.
[ OE lengthu f. Gmc (as LONG(1)) ]