a. [ Cf. F. énorme. See Enormous. ] Enormous. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Enormities [ L. enormitas, fr. enormis enormous: cf. F. énormité. See Enormous. ] 1. The state or quality of exceeding a measure or rule, or of being immoderate, monstrous, or outrageous. [ 1913 Webster ]

The enormity of his learned acquisitions. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is enormous; especially, an exceeding offense against order, right, or decency; an atrocious crime; flagitious villainy; an atrocity. [ 1913 Webster ]

These clamorous enormities which are grown too big and strong for law or shame. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Exceedingly wicked; outrageous; atrocious; monstrous; as, an enormous crime. [ 1913 Webster ]

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). [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In an enormous degree. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state of being enormous. [ 1913 Webster ]