Obs. [ad. L. extent-us, pa. pple. of extendĕre to EXTEND.]
1. Of the hand, etc.: Stretched out; held out. Of strength: Strained, exerted to the full.
1436. Pol. Poems (1859), II. 193. Oure kynge … Wyth swerde drawe, bryght and extente.
1590. Spenser, F. Q., II. vi. 61. Both his hands … Above the water were on high extent.
1664. Flodden F., viii. 78. The Admiral with strength extent, Then in the field fierce fighting was.
2. a. Continued or prolonged in length. b. Spread out in area. c. Possessed of extension.
1432–50. trans. Higden (Rolls), I. 297. Burguyn is a parte of Fraunce Cenonense to Alpes Pirene extente allemoste. Ibid., 321. Where trees be extente in altitude by a c. and xlti foote.
1633. P. Fletcher, Purple Isl., II. v. 18. Whose matter … Through all the Isle, and every part extent.
1641. Songs Costume (Percy Soc.), 171. Tell me no more that roarers waire Their hair extent below their ear.
1647. H. More, Song of Soul, II. i. II. lvi. Some be extended, others not extent.
