\Lat"i*tude\, n. [F. latitude, L. latitudo, fr. latus
broad, wide, for older stlatus; perh. akin to E. strew.]
1. Extent from side to side, or distance sidewise from a
   given point or line; breadth; width.
         Provided the length do not exceed the latitude above
         one third part.                       --Sir H.
                                               Wotton.
2. Room; space; freedom from confinement or restraint; hence,
   looseness; laxity; independence.
         In human actions there are no degrees and precise
         natural limits described, but a latitude is
         indulged.                             --Jer. Taylor.
3. Extent or breadth of signification, application, etc.;
   extent of deviation from a standard, as truth, style, etc.
         No discreet man will believe Augustine's miracles,
         in the latitude of monkish relations. --Fuller.
4. Extent; size; amplitude; scope.
         I pretend not to treat of them in their full
         latitude.                             --Locke.
5. (Geog.) Distance north or south of the equator, measured
   on a meridian.
6. (Astron.) The angular distance of a heavenly body from the
   ecliptic.
{Ascending latitude}, {Circle of latitude}, {Geographical
latitude}, etc. See under {Ascending}. {Circle}, etc.
{High latitude}, that part of the earth's surface near either
   pole, esp. that part within either the arctic or the
   antarctic circle.
{Low latitude}, that part of the earth's surface which is
   near the equator.