DISTANCE, n. [L., to stand apart; to stand.] 1. An interval or space between two objects; the length of the shortest line which intervenes between two things that are separate; as a great or small distance. Distance may be aline, an inch, a mile, or any indefinite length; as the distance between the sun and Saturn.2. Preceded by at, remoteness of place.He waits at distance till he hears from Cato.3. Preceded by thy, his, your, her, their, a suitable space, or such remoteness as is common or becoming; as, let him keep his distance; keep your distance. [See No. 8.]4. A space marked on the course where horses run.This horse ran the whole field out of distance.5. Space of time; any indefinite length of time, past or future, intervening between two periods or events; as the distance of an hour, of a year, of an age.6. Ideal space or separation.Qualities that affect our senses are, in the things themselves, so united and blended, that there is no distance between them.7. Contrariety; opposition.Banquo was your enemy, so he is mine, and in such bloody distance--8. The remoteness which respect requires; hence, respect.I hope your modesty will know what distance to the crown is due.Tis by respect and distance that authority is upheld. [See No. 3]9. Reserve; coldness; alienation of heart.On the part of heaven now alientated, distance and distaste.10. Remoteness in succession or relation; as the distance between a descendant and his ancestor.11. In music, the interval between two notes; as the distance of a fourth or seventh.DISTANCE, v.t. 1. To place remote; to throw off from the view.2. To leave behind in a race;; to win the race by a great superiority.3. To leave at a great distance behind.He distanced the most skillful of his cotemporaries.
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