prison limits

1 definition found

prison limits - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Limit \Lim"it\ (l[i^]m"[i^]t), n. [From L. limes, limitis: cf.
     F. limite; -or from E. limit, v. See Limit, v. t.]
     1. That which terminates, circumscribes, restrains, or
        confines; the bound, border, or edge; the utmost extent;
        as, the limit of a walk, of a town, of a country; the
        limits of human knowledge or endeavor.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              As eager of the chase, the maid
              Beyond the forest's verdant limits strayed. --Pope.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The space or thing defined by limits.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The archdeacon hath divided it
              Into three limits very equally.       --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. That which terminates a period of time; hence, the period
        itself; the full time or extent.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The dateless limit of thy dear exile. --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The limit of your lives is out.       --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A restriction; a check; a curb; a hindrance.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              I prithee, give no limits to my tongue. --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. (Logic & Metaph.) A determining feature; a distinguishing
        characteristic; a differentia.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     6. (Math.) A determinate quantity, to which a variable one
        continually approaches, and may differ from it by less
        than any given difference, but to which, under the law of
        variation, the variable can never become exactly
        equivalent.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Elastic limit. See under Elastic.
  
     Prison limits, a definite, extent of space in or around a
        prison, within which a prisoner has liberty to go and
        come.
  
     Syn: Boundary; border; edge; termination; restriction; bound;
          confine.
          [1913 Webster]