What is "representative at large"

Large \Large\ (l[aum]rj), a. [Compar. Larger (l[aum]r"j[~e]r); superl. Largest.] [F., fr. L. largus. Cf. Largo.]

1. Exceeding most other things of like kind in bulk, capacity, quantity, superficial dimensions, or number of constituent units; big; great; capacious; extensive; -- opposed to small; as, a large horse; a large house or room; a large lake or pool; a large jug or spoon; a large vineyard; a large army; a large city.

   Note: For linear dimensions, and mere extent, great, and not large, is used as a qualifying word; as, great length, breadth, depth; a great distance; a great height.

2. Abundant; ample; as, a large supply of provisions.

   We have yet large day.
   --Milton.

3. Full in statement; diffuse; full; profuse.

   I might be very large upon the importance and advantages of education.
   --Felton.

4. Having more than usual power or capacity; having broad sympathies and generous impulses; comprehensive; -- said of the mind and heart.

5. Free; unembarrassed. [Obs.]

   Of burdens all he set the Paynims large.
   --Fairfax.

6. Unrestrained by decorum; -- said of language. [Obs.] ``Some large jests he will make.''
   --Shak.

7. Prodigal in expending; lavish. [Obs.]
   --Chaucer.

8. (Naut.) Crossing the line of a ship's course in a favorable direction; -- said of the wind when it is abeam, or between the beam and the quarter. At large.

   1. Without restraint or confinement; as, to go at large; to be left at large.

   2. Diffusely; fully; in the full extent; as, to discourse on a subject at large.

      Common at large. See under Common, n.

      Electors at large, Representative at large, electors, or a representative, as in Congress, chosen to represent the whole of a State, in distinction from those chosen to represent particular districts in a State. [U. S.]

      To give large, To go large, To run large, or To sail large (Naut.), to have the wind crossing the direction of a vessel's course in such a way that the sails feel its full force, and the vessel gains its highest speed. See Large, a., 8.

      Syn: Big; bulky; huge; capacious; comprehensive; ample; abundant; plentiful; populous; copious; diffusive; liberal.