By and Large
1) Colloquial term meaning ‘For the most part.’ Origin of the term seems
to be that a ship was considered particularly seaworthy if it could sail
both ‘by’ (close to the wind) and ‘large’ (broad to or before the wind).

2) A term derived from two sailing terms combined: "By the wind"
(Close-hauled), and "Sailing Large" (Running Free). The term, 'at large' ,
also comes from this usage.



Scotty


"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...
One of my favorite nautically based expressions is "By and Large," as in
"By and
large, Booby doesn't know how to sail."

Who knows what it really means?