limb 1
— limbless , adj.
/lim/ , n.
1. a part or member of an animal body distinct from the head and trunk, as a leg, arm, or wing: the lower limbs; artificial limbs.
2. a large or main branch of a tree.
3. a projecting part or member: the four limbs of a cross.
4. a person or thing regarded as a part, member, branch, offshoot, or scion of something: a limb of the central committee.
5. Archery. the upper or lower part of a bow.
6. Informal. a mischievous child, imp, or young scamp.
7. out on a limb , in a dangerous or compromising situation; vulnerable: The company overextended itself financially and was soon out on a limb.
v.t.
8. to cut the limbs from (a felled tree).
[ bef. 900; ME, OE lim; akin to ON lim foliage, limr limb, limi rod, L limus aslant, limen threshold ]
Syn. 1. extremity. 2. See branch .
limb 2
/lim/ , n.
1. Astron. the edge of the disk of the sun, a moon, or a planet.
2. the graduated edge of a quadrant or similar instrument.
3. Bot.
a. the upper spreading part of a gamopetalous corolla.
b. the expanded portion of a petal, sepal, or leaf.
[ 1350-1400; ME limbus; see LIMBUS 2 , LIMBO 1 ]