— tallness , n.
/tawl/ , adj., taller, tallest , adv.
adj.
1. having a relatively great height; of more than average stature: a tall woman; tall grass.
2. having stature or height as specified: a man six feet tall.
3. large in amount or degree; considerable: a tall price; Swinging that deal is a tall order.
4. extravagant; difficult to believe: a tall tale.
5. high-flown; grandiloquent: He engages in so much tall talk, one never really knows what he's saying.
6. having more than usual length; long and relatively narrow: He carried a tall walking stick.
7. Archaic. valiant.
8. Obs.
a. seemly; proper.
b. fine; handsome.
adv.
9. in a proud, confident, or erect manner: to stand tall; to walk tall.
[ bef. 1000; ME: big, bold, comely, proper, ready, OE getael (pl. getale ) quick, ready, competent; c. OHG gizal quick ]
Syn. 2. See high .
Ant. 1. short.