Lim`i*ta"tion (-tā"shŭn),
n. [L. limitatio: cf. F. limitation.
See Limit, v. t.] 1.
The act of limiting; the state or condition of being limited;
as, the limitation of his authority was approved by the
council.
They had no right to mistake the limitation . .
. of their own faculties, for an inherent limitation of the
possible modes of existence in the universe.
J. S.
Mill.
2. That which limits; a restriction; a
qualification; a restraining condition, defining circumstance, or
qualifying conception; as, limitations of thought.
The cause of error is ignorance what restraints and
limitations all principles have in regard of the matter
whereunto they are applicable.
Hooker.
3. A certain precinct within which friars
were allowed to beg, or exercise their functions; also, the time
during which they were permitted to exercise their functions in such
a district. Chaucer. Latimer.
4. A limited time within or during which
something is to be done.
You have stood your limitation, and the
tribunes
Endue you with the people's voice.
Shak.
5. (Law) (a) A certain
period limited by statute after which the claimant shall not enforce
his claims by suit. (b) A settling of an
estate or property by specific rules. (c)
A restriction of power; as, a constitutional
limitation. Wharton. Bouvier.
To know one's own limitations, to know the
reach and limits of one's abilities. A. R. Wallace.
