01 a. High in stature; having a considerable, or an unusual, extension upward; long and comparatively slender; having the diameter or lateral ext…
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1.
High in stature; having a considerable, or an unusual, extension upward; long and comparatively slender; having the diameter or lateral extent small in proportion to the height; as, a tall person, tree, or mast.“Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall.” — Milton.
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2.
Brave; bold; courageous.[Obs.]“As tall a trencherman As e'er demolished a pye fortification.” — Massinger.“His companions, being almost in despair of victory, were suddenly recomforted by Sir William Stanley, which came to succors with three thousand tall men.” — Grafton.
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3.
Fine; splendid; excellent; also, extravagant; excessive.[Obs. or Slang]
Syn.
High; lofty.
-- Tall, High, Lofty. High is the generic term, and is applied to anything which is elevated or raised above another thing. Tall specifically describes that which has a small diameter in proportion to its height; hence, we speak of a tall man, a tall steeple, a tall mast, etc., but not of a tall hill. Lofty has a special reference to the expanse above us, and denotes an imposing height; as, a lofty mountain; a lofty room. Tall is now properly applied only to physical objects; high and lofty have a moral acceptation; as, high thought, purpose, etc.; lofty aspirations; a lofty genius. Lofty is the stronger word, and is usually coupled with the grand or admirable.