Dictionary entry

Limb

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Limb (lĭm), n. [OE. lim, AS. lim; akin to Icel. limr limb, lim branch of a tree, Sw. & Dan. lem limb; cf. also AS. lið, OHG. lid, gilid, G. glied, Goth. liþus. Cf. Lith, Limber.] 1. A part of a tree which extends from the trunk and separates into branches and twigs; a large branch.

2. An arm or a leg of a human being; a leg, arm, or wing of an animal.

A second Hector for his grim aspect,

And large proportion of his strong-knit limbs. Shak.

3. A thing or person regarded as a part or member of, or attachment to, something else. Shak.

That little limb of the devil has cheated the gallows. Sir W. Scott.

4. An elementary piece of the mechanism of a lock.

Limb of the law, a lawyer or an officer of the law. Landor.