LONG. adj. A relative term, denoting the distance between the extremes of any body, which is extended more in one of its geometrical dimensions than another. Opposed to short.
ture, or so weak as not to be able to retain a fixt position, being considered as of a middle nature between erect and prostrate bodies, admit of either of the terms long, tall, or high; as a long or tall rush or willow wand, or a long, tall, or high stalk of corn. See HIGH and TALL.
4. The parts of vegetables, when considered as distinct from the whole, even when growing and erect, assume the term long: for we do not say a tall, but a long shoot of a tree; and a tree with a long stem, in preference to a tree with a high stem.
5. For the same reason, a staff, and pole, even when fixed in a perpendicular direction, assume the word long, in preference to tall or high.
6. With regard to animals, the general rule is applied, without any exceptions: tall, and not long, being employed to denote the height of the human body, when in an erect posture; and long, and not tall, to denote its length when in an incumbent situation. Long, applied to all other animals which do not walk erect, always denotes their greatest length in a horizontal position from head to tail.
7. In a figurative sense, it denotes, with regard to time, any thing at a great distance from us.
8. As also, any thing that takes up much time before it is finished; as a long discourse, a protracted note in music, &c.