[length] n, pl lengths [ME lengthe, fr. OE lengthu, fr. lang long] (bef. 12c) 1 a: the longer or longest dimension of an object b: a measured distance or dimension "10 feet in ~" c: the quality or state of being long
2. a: duration or extent in time b: relative duration or stress of a sound 3 a: distance or extent in space b: the length of something taken as a unit of measure "his horse led by a ~"
4: the degree to which something (as a course of action or a line of thought) is carried--often used in pl. "went to great ~s to learn the truth"
5. a: a long expanse or stretch b: a piece constituting or usable as part of a whole or of a connected series: section "a ~ of pipe"
6: a vertical dimension of an article of clothing -- at length 1: fully, comprehensively
2: at last: finally