Latitude \Lat"i*tude\, n. [F. latitude, L. latitudo, fr. latus
   broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. akin to E. strew.]
   1. Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a
      given point or line; breadth; width.
      
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            Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above
            one third part.                       --Sir H.
                                                  Wotton.
      
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   2. Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence,
      looseness; laxity; independence.
      
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            In human actions there are no degrees and precise
            natural limits described, but a latitude is
            indulged.                             --Jer. Taylor.
      
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   3. Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.;
      extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc.
      
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            No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles,
            in the latitude of monkish relations. --Fuller.
      
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   4. Extent; size; amplitude; scope.
      
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            I pretend not to treat of them in their full
            latitude.                             --Locke.
      
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   5. (Geog.) Distance north or south of the equator, measured
      on a meridian.
      
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   6. (Astron.) The angular distance of a heavenly body from the
      ecliptic.
      
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   {Ascending latitude}, {Circle of latitude}, {Geographical  latitude}, etc. See under {Ascending}. {Circle}, etc.

   {High latitude}, that part of the earth's surface near either
      pole, esp. that part within either the arctic or the
      antarctic circle.

   {Low latitude}, that part of the earth's surface which is
      near the equator.
      
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