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:
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.
5. As this is a general term of augmentation, it may be joined with all nouns which denote quantity, quality, number, excellence, or defects; or such as imply praise, blame, anger, contempt, or any other affection of the mind.
6. It is employed to denote every step of ascending or descending consanguinity; as great-grandfather, great-grandson, &c.