whole-length

[ adjective hohl-lengkth, -length; noun hohl-lengkth, -length ]

adjective

1. extended to or having its entire length; not shortened or abridged:

   a whole-length report.

2. portraying, reflecting, or accommodating the full length of the human figure:

   a whole-length sofa; a whole-length portrait of the general.

noun

1. a portrait or statue showing the full length of its subject:

   The painting gallery had a roomful of whole-lengths.

Word History and Origins

Origin of whole-length¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

It was to be a whole-length in water-colours, like Mr. John Knightley’s, and was destined, if she could please herself, to hold a very honourable station over the mantelpiece.

From Literature

Much likeness exists between the art of Gresham's portrait and that of the masterly life-size, whole-length picture of the Earl of Surrey, with his motto, Sat super est, which is one of the chief ornaments of Knole, and almost worthy of Velasquez himself.

From Project Gutenberg

An upright wood engraving, 14½ by 11, of a whole-length naked female turning her head to a mirror, which she holds behind her with both hands.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1815 Mr. Smith published a separate whole-length portrait of “Henry Dinsdale, nicknamed Sir Harry Dimsdale, mayor of the mock Borough of Garret, aged 38, anno 1800.”

From Project Gutenberg

It represents a company of trained bands, about thirty figures, whole-length, among which the Spanish Ambassador is introduced shaking hands with one of the principal figures.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• entire
• exhaustive
• full
• outright
• thorough