extremity

n.; pl. Extremities [ L. extremitas: cf. F. extrémité. ] 1. The extreme part; the utmost limit; the farthest or remotest point or part; as, the extremities of a country. [ 1913 Webster ]

They sent fleets . . . to the extremities of Ethiopia. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zoöl.) One of locomotive appendages of an animal; a limb; a leg or an arm of man. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The utmost point; highest degree; most aggravated or intense form. “The extremity of bodily pain.” Ray. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The highest degree of inconvenience, pain, or suffering; greatest need or peril; extreme need; necessity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Divers evils and extremities that follow upon such a compulsion shall here be set in view. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Upon mere extremity he summoned this last Parliament. Milton.

Syn. -- Verge; border; extreme; end; termination. [ 1913 Webster ]