a. [ L. prolixus extended, long, prolix, probably fr. pro before, forward + liqui to flow, akin to liquidus liquid; cf. OL. lixa water: cf. F. prolixe. See Liquid. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Extending to a great length; unnecessarily long; minute in narration or argument; excessively particular in detail; -- rarely used except with reference to discourse written or spoken; as, a prolix oration; a prolix poem; a prolix sermon. [ 1913 Webster ]

With wig prolix, down flowing to his waist. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Indulging in protracted discourse; tedious; wearisome; -- applied to a speaker or writer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Long; diffuse; prolonged; protracted; tedious; tiresome; wearisome. -- Prolix, Diffuse. A prolix writer delights in circumlocution, extended detail, and trifling particulars. A diffuse writer is fond of amplifying, and abounds in epithets, figures, and illustrations. Diffuseness often arises from an exuberance of imagination; prolixity is generally connected with a want of it. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Dilatory; tedious; superfluous. [ Obs. ] “Lay by all nicety, and prolixious blushes.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. prolixitas: cf. F. prolixité. ] The quality or state of being prolix; great length; minute detail; as, prolixity in discourses and writings. “For fulsomeness of his prolixitee.” Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Idly running on with vain prolixity. Drayton. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a prolix manner. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Prolixity. Adam Smith. [ 1913 Webster ]