Re: By and large

Posted by Elinor on 2007/3/21 13:13:25

Meaning

Generally speaking - approximately so.

Origin

Many phrases are wrongly ascribed a nautical origin just because they sound like mariner's talk. This one really is. The present meaning is somewhat different from what was meant when the phrase was coined. That was a specific reference to a course, either into the wind or within six compass points off it. Over time the meaning changed to 'from some direction or other'

The earliest known reference to the phrase in print is from Samuel Sturmy, in The mariners magazine, 1669:

"Thus you see the ship handled in fair weather and foul, by and learge."


http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/82300.html
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mbylarge.html