at large

at large  {adv.} or  {adj. phr.}

1. Not kept within walls, fences, or boundaries; free.

The killer remained at large for weeks.

Compare: AT LIBERTY.

Cattle and sheep roamed at large on the big ranch.

2. In a broad, general way; at length; fully.

The superintendent talked at large for an hour about his hopes for a new school building.

3. As a group rather than as individuals; as a whole; taken together.

The junior class at large was not interested in a senior yearbook.

4. As a representative of a whole political unit or area rather than one of its parts; from a city rather than one of its wards, or a state rather than one of its districts.

He was elected congressman at large.