Extremities

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Extremity \Ex*trem"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Extremities}. [L. extremitas:
     cf. F. extr['e]mit['e].]
     1. The extreme part; the utmost limit; the farthest or
        remotest point or part; as, the extremities of a country.
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              They sent fleets . . . to the extremities of
              Ethiopia.                             --Arbuthnot.
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     2. (Zo["o]l.) One of locomotive appendages of an animal; a
        limb; a leg or an arm of man.
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     3. The utmost point; highest degree; most aggravated or
        intense form. "The extremity of bodily pain." --Ray.
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     4. The highest degree of inconvenience, pain, or suffering;
        greatest need or peril; extreme need; necessity.
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              Divers evils and extremities that follow upon such a
              compulsion shall here be set in view. --Milton.
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              Upon mere extremity he summoned this last
              Parliament.                           --Milton.
  
     Syn: Verge; border; extreme; end; termination.
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