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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Enormous \E*nor"mous\, a. [L. enormis enormous, out of rule; e
out norma rule: cf. F. ['e]norme. See {Normal}.]
1. Exceeding the usual rule, norm, or measure; out of due
proportion; inordinate; abnormal. "Enormous bliss."
--Milton. "This enormous state." --Shak. "The hoop's
enormous size." --Jenyns.
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Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait.
--Milton.
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2. Exceedingly wicked; outrageous; atrocious; monstrous; as,
an enormous crime.
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That detestable profession of a life so enormous.
--Bale.

Syn: Huge; vast; immoderate; immense; excessive; prodigious;
monstrous.

Usage: -- {Enormous}, {Immense}, {Excessive}. We speak of a
thing as enormous when it overpasses its ordinary law
of existence or far exceeds its proper average or
standard, and becomes -- so to speak -- abnormal in
its magnitude, degree, etc.; as, a man of enormous
strength; a deed of enormous wickedness. Immense
expresses somewhat indefinitely an immeasurable
quantity or extent. Excessive is applied to what is
beyond a just measure or amount, and is always used in
an evil; as, enormous size; an enormous crime; an
immense expenditure; the expanse of ocean is immense.
"Excessive levity and indulgence are ultimately
excessive rigor." --V. Knox. "Complaisance becomes
servitude when it is excessive." --La Rochefoucauld
(Trans).
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