GREAT. adj. A relative word, denoting largeness of quantity, number, &c. serving to augment the value of those terms with which it is combined, and opposed to small or little. The principal circumstances in which this word can be employed, are the following:
we say simply, the great, meaning the whole body of men in high station, as opposed to mean. It should seldom be employed in this sense, as it tends to confound dignity of rank with elevation of mind.