Limit \Lim"it\ (l[i^]m"[i^]t), n. [From L. limes, limitis: cf.
   F. limite; -or from E. limit, v. See Limit, v. t.]
   1. That which terminates, circumscribes, restrains, or
      confines; the bound, border, or edge; the utmost extent;
      as, the limit of a walk, of a town, of a country; the
      limits of human knowledge or endeavor.
      [1913 Webster]

            As eager of the chase, the maid
            Beyond the forest's verdant limits strayed. --Pope.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The space or thing defined by limits.
      [1913 Webster]

            The archdeacon hath divided it
            Into three limits very equally.       --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. That which terminates a period of time; hence, the period
      itself; the full time or extent.
      [1913 Webster]

            The dateless limit of thy dear exile. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            The limit of your lives is out.       --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. A restriction; a check; a curb; a hindrance.
      [1913 Webster]

            I prithee, give no limits to my tongue. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. (Logic & Metaph.) A determining feature; a distinguishing
      characteristic; a differentia.
      [1913 Webster]

   6. (Math.) A determinate quantity, to which a variable one
      continually approaches, and may differ from it by less
      than any given difference, but to which, under the law of
      variation, the variable can never become exactly
      equivalent.
      [1913 Webster]

   Elastic limit. See under Elastic.

   Prison limits, a definite, extent of space in or around a
      prison, within which a prisoner has liberty to go and
      come.

   Syn: Boundary; border; edge; termination; restriction; bound;
        confine.
        [1913 Webster]