a. and sb. [a. F. limitrophe, ad. late L. līmitrophus, līmitotrophus (a hybrid f. L. līmit-, līmes + Gr. -τρόφος supporting), applied to lands set apart for the support of troops on the frontier.]
A. adj. Situated on the frontier; bordering on, adjacent to (another country).
1826. [J. R. Best], Four Years France, 129. Russia has already absorbed, within its empire, that great limitrophe nation which might have been a barrier against further progress.
1845. Ford, Handbk. Spain, VI. 503. Like many of these limitrophe Pyrenean districts it became independent soon after … 731.
1881. Daily News, 22 Feb., 5/3. The policy of a limitrophe frontier with Russia revived.
1885. Pall Mall Gaz., 1 April, 1/2. England … was perfectly free to enter into any relations she pleased with the States limitrophe to India.
† B. sb. A border-land. Obs.
1589. A. M[unday], Hist. Palmendos, v. (1653), 32. He … became … famous through all the neighbour Marches and limitrophes of Tharsus.
1598. Dallington, Meth. Trav., C ij b. The Prince ought to have of them [sc. castles] in his frontier places, and Lymitrophes (as they call them).
Hence † Limitrophing ppl. a., bordering, adjacent; † Limitrophous a. (see quot.).
1623. trans. Favine’s Theat. Hon., IV. vii. 29. The Counties of Boulougne, Saint Paule, and other limitrophing Seigneuries.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Column, Limitrophous or boundary Column, is that which shews the limits of a kingdom, or country conquered.
