E*nor"mous (?), a. [L. enormis
enormous, out of rule; e out + norma rule: cf. F.
énorme. See Normal.] 1.
Exceeding the usual rule, norm, or measure; out of due
proportion; inordinate; abnormal. "Enormous bliss."
Milton. "This enormous state." Shak. "The hoop's
enormous size." Jenyns.
Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their
gait.
Milton.
2. Exceedingly wicked; outrageous; atrocious;
monstrous; as, an enormous crime.
That detestable profession of a life so
enormous.
Bale.
Syn. -- Huge; vast; immoderate; immense; excessive;
prodigious; monstrous. -- Enormous, Immense,
Excessive. We speak of a thing as enormous when it
overpasses its ordinary law of existence or far exceeds its proper
average or standard, and becomes -- so to speak -- abnormal in
its magnitude, degree, etc.; as, a man of enormous strength; a
deed of enormous wickedness. Immense expresses somewhat
indefinitely an immeasurable quantity or extent. Excessive is
applied to what is beyond a just measure or amount, and is always
used in an evil; as, enormous size; an enormous crime;
an immense expenditure; the expanse of ocean is
immense. "Excessive levity and indulgence are
ultimately excessive rigor." V. Knox. "Complaisance
becomes servitude when it is excessive." La Rochefoucauld
(Trans).
